The recently faded Club Rose Bay is looking to rise from the ashes through a management agreement with hospitality trailblazers Merivale.
Club Rose Bay is a family-friendly RSL boasting sweeping views of Rose Bay Harbour, offering wide-ranging amenities.
Recent years have seen it struggle financially, and despite sale of assets in the hope of salvaging its finances, in August the Club voluntarily appointed administrators SV Partners, which worked with management and continued to trade as they explored scenarios.
This came to an end when a creditor called in debt, appointing receivers Cathro & Partners, which opted to immediately take control of assets, cease trading and dismiss all staff.
However, a recent letter from the President gave members hope as he shared what is seen as a viable pathway forward, which will “allow our wonderful community hub to emerge from administration, reopen its doors and continue our great Club’s legacy for many years to come”.
A proposal was put to a vote at a General Meeting on 18 January 2025 for a special resolution to update the Co-Operative’s Rules, to allow the necessary agreements. Changes included reflecting earlier and more recent changes to the Registered Clubs Act, and to the governance structure, so as to protect the rights of existing members by dictating that a person must have maintained their membership for at least five years to be eligible for election to the Board.
The meeting saw an unexpectedly high turnout and members voted overwhelmingly in favour of entering into the operations management agreement with Merivale, counting 147 in favour and only one against.
Merivale is a family-owned conglomerate led by Justin Hemmes, who lives nearby, in Vaucluse. The group’s portfolio spans a diverse collection of more than 70 hospitality venues – including the SCG and Allianz Stadium – employing over 5,000 staff, making it a “prime candidate to deliver the rejuvenation and future health” of the Club.
“Under this important proposal, Merivale will become a service provider to the Club and will oversee Club operations including managing the food and beverage offering, events,” explained the President, John S Bax.
“The Board will remain in full control of the Club, your rights as a Club Member will not change, and your Member discounts will continue to apply.”
It was spelled out that Merivale will not own any assets of the Club or sub-branch, but it will provide funding to undertake an “uplifted refurbishment” of the premises, which will enhance the legacy war memorabilia displays, and also operational funds and support so that the Club can return to trading.
“This funding is greatly welcomed, as historically, we have been unable to secure adequate funding to allow us to achieve our Club’s full potential.
“Together, the arrangements will put us in a position to continue investment into the Club’s future to ensure the secure and welcomed longevity of our Club.”
The proposal was put forward by the administrator, and comes bearing strong support by the Board and Club Rose Bay RSL sub-Branch. It was voted on and approved by creditors in November.
At this stage the deal is still only a proposal, pending regulatory approval, but Bax declares that the “overwhelming success” of the member vote is clear indication of the importance of the club to locals.
“Our commitment to improve every element of our Club by engaging an experienced, highly regarded, and reputable hospitality provider will improve our operations and significantly reinvigorate and renew our facilities.
“It’s very exciting that we’ll be able to reopen the doors to Club Rose Bay in the coming months,” says Bax.
