Every Tuesday night the Bangalow Hotel rocks to the sound of a bunch of passionate people doing what they love best – playing chess, and watching others play.

Five or six years ago the game broke free of its stereotypes to become one of the world’s most followed spectator activities. The 20 or so regulars at the Bangalow Chess Club are a perfect illustration of this: young, diverse, enthusiastic, and willing to come from afar every week to socialise and compete against each other.

Avalon, currently No. 1 on the leader board, travels from Mullumbimby; and the reputed ‘most improved’ player, Bradley, comes all the way from Nimbin. There’s even an international flavour to the line-up, but 2479 locals also feature among the throng, among them man about town, Lydian Dunbar.

They’re drawn by the chess challenges on offer, but something more as well – an atmosphere of camaraderie and respect. There’s an almost family vibe to the club: indeed, Evan Manttari founded it with his brother Daniel, and former girlfriend Shyla, a bar staffer at the pub. They were looking for something to get them off their screens and out of the house, something which meant the brothers could hang out together regularly. Now Daniel and his girlfriend Teagan – a recent recruit to the game – drive up frequently from their home in Yamba.

Shyla’s mum, Bec, is another who started as a beginner, and says she’s making solid progress. Her main weakness is taking too long to decide on a move, she says, and with each player rationed to 10-minutes for each of the four games played through the night, such hesitancy can mean an automatic loss. The time pressure suits Bec’s other daughter, Amarlie, at 16 the club’s youngest member, who credits her success to a fast, decisive style. It can intimidate opponents, she says, smiling sweetly as she concedes the word ‘aggressive’ might define her style – including in games against her more tentative mum.

But even ruthless Amarlie admits it’s the sense of community that keeps her coming back.

Avalon is one of the more experienced players here: after being taught to play at a young age by his grandfather, he helped set up chess clubs at all the schools he attended while growing up, from Shearwater to Xavier to the Green School. Of the many chess groups and associations he’s been part of, the Bangalow club is the best, he says. The reason? Because the focus is on actual playing. With at least four games guaranteed per player, it’s like a mini tournament. Self-described as “incredibly competitive”, Avalon enjoys the opportunity to play several games, face to face, and with a variety of opponents.

Some of them are, like him, top-notch players and on one rainy Tuesday night in early March, Avalon was slightly startled to find himself suddenly in a trap – the result of a mid-game “fried liver advanced attack variation” – laid, albeit semi-accidentally, by the equally competitive Miela. Checkmate!

At other tables, beginner or intermediate players compete with others at their level – matched appropriately through an algorithm-driven system devised by Evan. While the club offers no formal coaching, there’s plenty of learning ‘on the job’ and during post-game analysis, when the better players offer fruitful feedback.

There are several tiers here; everyone finds their level and they’re all eager to improve. Rob, in his 30s, plays games online. He also follows the games of world No.1, Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, on YouTube and is “working on some new openings”.

At 21, rising star Bradley, meanwhile, feels his strength is in his end game. Having come to the club every Tuesday since it began last September, his game has improved 100%, he says.

Towards the end of the four games an air of collective excitement builds at the prospect of a tie-break. At this point, the four 10-minute per person limit shrinks to three-minutes, demanding a heightened degree of concentration and rapid decision-making. The Velvets and Mazzy Star continue supplying the background music, but as the tension rises, even the drinkers and pool players fall silent to watch. The time pressure means mistakes are made: Black’s excessive focus on a potential checkmate in one corner distracts him from the devious White manoeuvre diagonally opposite and whammo! It’s all over.

Evan, meanwhile, has been scampering around in the background, a gleeful master of ceremonies, firing up the AI generated weighted system that records games, matches players and keeps everything moving. The nights represent a magical triad for him: “It’s an ancient game, aided here by modern technology, bringing people together.”

Time to spin the prize-wheel, on which everyone features, with a ‘slice’ allocated for just turning up, and the awarding of the evening’s $20 voucher.

Chess has exploded in the past half dozen years – partly as a result of the massively popular streaming series The Queen’s Gambit, which coincided with COVID lockdowns. Locked-up people found release and stimulation in “meeting” others over the virtual board. Evan says the fulfilment of that personal need is one of the main reasons for the club’s success. Most of the members still play online, but they all state that it’s the face-to-face interaction that brings them out at night.

Bec enjoys it because “there are so many different types of people’” and the atmosphere is friendly and, while competitive, remains respectful, she says.

Chess is an incredibly valuable activity for young people, Avalon says: “It builds a level of resilience, a determination to persevere, to keep your chin up despite losing 100 times. It also develops the capacity for forethought.”

There’s even a moral, or character-building benefit to it: “It teaches humility and it’s a demonstration that our actions have consequences,” he says.

Mainly, however, at this grass-roots level, it’s the “humanness” of it, says Evan, the craic and the connection, both intellectually sophisticated and innocent.

It’s been a revelation for him: “Daniel and I started the club for ourselves, but it’s become something for others. People have made friends here; it costs nothing, but there’s real joy in that room.”

Bangalow Chess meets every Tuesday, 6-9pm at the Bangalow Hotel.

For details email bangalowchess@gmail.com

Photos Yutaro Fukuhara

When Zoe Olive first dreamt up the Bangalow Buckle Challenge in 2018, she wasn’t chasing ribbons or prestige – she wanted to open the gates of horsemanship to everyone. The result is a uniquely inclusive competition that’s grown from 39 competitors in its first year to more than 100 horses converging on the Bangalow Showgrounds annually, all vying for the coveted silver buckle.

“It started because I saw riders who wanted to give stock horse challenges a go, but felt intimidated by the strict rules around registration, gear and presentation,” says Zoe. “So I created something independent, more accessible, where it didn’t matter what breed your horse was or what saddle you used – you just had to give it a go.”

The Bangalow Buckle Challenge is now a two-day event held annually in early March, with categories designed to cater to all levels of rider experience and horse age. From juniors and youth encouragement classes to open super horse and master rider divisions, every entrant has the opportunity to develop and showcase their horsemanship across a variety of skills.

“We don’t run a full campdraft,” Zoe explains, adding that each competitor rides four core patterns: a hack (a flatwork sequence judged on movement and presentation), a utility pattern (obstacles such as gates, poles and side-passing), a working pattern (showing agility and responsiveness often used in stock work) and cattle work. “We call it ‘beast work’ – it’s a controlled introduction where each rider gets two minutes with a single beast in the arena, aiming to demonstrate control, movement and flow.”

Campdrafting, which you may have seen in action at the Bangalow Show, requires a rider to select a single beast from a small group, separate it from the mob in a yard (or “camp”), and then guide it through a cloverleaf-shaped course at speed. It demands a high degree of cattle knowledge, horse skill and split-second decision-making. While thrilling to watch, it can be daunting for less experienced riders – which is exactly why Zoe chose a simplified format that allows everyone to have a go, regardless of background or skill level.

And it’s not just the competitors who get involved. The event is run entirely by volunteers, with many participants helping set up, ‘pencil’ for judges (writing down scores) or serving lunches in between their own rides. “It’s a real community effort,” says Zoe. “I couldn’t do it without them. That’s why we introduced the Big Effort Big Buckle – a prize not for the best rider, but for the competitor who shows the most spirit and willingness to help. It started out as a joke but now it’s one of the most prized buckles of the event.”

One of those buckle winners is former Bangalow Herald committee member Ean Jones, who has taken out both the Master Rider Buckle and the Big Effort Buckle. “He’s a real all-rounder,” Zoe says. “Always up for helping out and just such a great sport.”

The buckle itself is a key part of the event’s identity. “I chose a buckle because it’s something you can wear. It’s a visible trophy – you don’t just stick it on a shelf,” says Zoe. “People see it and ask, ‘What did you win that for?’ It sparks stories.”

The design has evolved over the years, with Zoe determined to find a buckle maker who could produce a high-quality, personalised piece. She now works with an Australian-owned company to design buckles with custom engraving, coloured stones and each buckle is stamped with the year, event and division. “We try to make each one special. Whether it’s for the Encouragement Challenge or the Open Super Horse, that rider has earned it.”

That spirit of inclusion is matched by a high standard of horsemanship and judging. Each section has its own judge, many of whom return year after year. “I encourage riders to chat to the judges, ask questions, get feedback. It’s a learning opportunity as well as a competition,” she says. In fact, the event kicks off with a two-hour warm-up session where competitors rotate through each ring to practise patterns and get rid of their “nerves and butterflies” – both horse and rider.

And while Zoe has run the event independently since day one, she’s quick to acknowledge her loyal supporters. Local businesses help feed the judges and volunteers, and a huge array of sponsors keep the event running. “We couldn’t have done this without them,” she says.

Despite running the event, Zoe has managed to ride in previous years – though she admits she’s yet to claim a buckle of her own. “I’ve come second,” she smiles. “But this year I’ve told my team that everyone who helps has to get their ride in too. We’re not riding for sheep stations—we’re doing this so everyone can have a go.”

The Bangalow Buckle Challenge is also evolving. This year sees the debut of a whipcracking competition, complete with community barbecue and bar, judged by a former Australian whipcracking champion. “It’s all part of creating a space where the whole town can come and participate, even if they don’t ride,” says Zoe.

That mindset – of making room, breaking down barriers and encouraging growth – is what sets the Bangalow Buckle Challenge apart. “Whether it’s a child on their first pony, an older rider coming back after a break, or someone just wanting to try something new, there’s a place for them here,” says Zoe. “And if they win a buckle? Even better.”

The Bangalow Buckle Challenge returns to the Bangalow Showground on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March 2026, featuring two full days of versatile horse challenges for all breeds. The program includes the Super Horse Challenge, Encouragement and Jackaroo/Jillaroo Maiden Challenges, Youth and Young Horse classes, and the popular Bangalow Bucket Obstacle Trial. Special awards include the Equestrienne Magazine All Round Lady Rider Award, the Norco Stock Feeds Magnificent Master Rider Award and the Glen Gough Big Effort Big Buckle Award.

The Triple Crown Trophy will also return, spanning three regional events. Saturday begins with practice at 7.30am and competitions from 9.30am, followed by a Lions Club BBQ and the inaugural Northern Rivers Whip Cracking Championship. Sunday features cattle work, obstacle trials and awards. Public spectators most welcome – free entry.

While the formal listing process still has steps to complete, the motion marks an important public acknowledgment: the Bowlo is more than a building. It is a place of continuity and community.

For decades, the club has functioned as Bangalow’s common ground – a multi-purpose civic space where sport, celebration, music and everyday connection intersect. It is one of the few venues in town where a pensioner, a young family, a sporting committee and a touring musician could share the same floor.

The Heritage Assessment identified the building’s distinctive exposed metal ceiling trusses that define the main hall space as structural features that are characteristic of bowling club architecture from the era. Comparable trusses at Willoughby Bowling Club in Sydney, built in the same period, have already been heritage listed – demonstrating that such elements are recognised as architecturally and socially significant within NSW club heritage.

But heritage, in this case, extends beyond the walls.

The bowling greens facing Byron Street herald your arrival in Bangalow. They mark a physical threshold – from highway to village – but also signal something about identity and place. The greens speak of participation, sport and shared space.

“I believe the Bangalow Bowlers who originally selected and bought this land then constructed the clubhouse on which it sits alongside its picturesque lawn bowling green, would be thrilled that their efforts will possibly be enshrined in a heritage listing which would help to ensure the whole community get to enjoy the space – and the game they love – into the future,” says Shane Mahony, current Bangalow bowler and former greenkeeper.

Council’s unanimous vote does not immediately place the Bowlo on the Local Environmental Plan’s Schedule of Heritage Items. What it does is endorse the assessment and signal that the formal listing process will proceed. That process typically involves preparation of a planning proposal, a Gateway determination from the Department of Planning, public exhibition and, ultimately, gazettal.

When listed, demolition would be highly constrained, major external alterations would require heritage impact assessment, and any future development would need to respect the site’s recognised significance.

For many in the community, this news will be met with a collective sigh of relief.

The January 2026 community survey conducted by the Save Bangalow Bowlo Steering Committee found strong alignment on one core objective – that the Bowlo should return to genuine community ownership and control. The survey also confirmed that the club is valued as a social asset, not just a property, with respondents repeatedly referencing loss of access, routine and connection if the venue’s character were compromised.

Those themes surfaced again in council debate: heritage recognition is not about nostalgia. It is about continuity of use.

The Bowlo has hosted sporting competitions, local club meetings, fundraisers, weddings, wakes, live music and daily social rituals. It has provides an accessible venue in a village with limited multi-purpose, multi-generational spaces.

Heritage recognition in this context does not freeze the building in time. It regulates demolition and unsympathetic alteration, while still allowing ongoing operation, upgrades and maintenance.

Heritage listing, in effect, strengthens the likelihood that this site remains a sports and leisure venue into the future. It does not mandate bowls forever, nor does it prevent operational evolution required to keep the venue relevant and viable. But it makes large-scale redevelopment for any other purpose significantly more difficult, and strengthens the case for the site’s continued use as community infrastructure.

Of course, heritage status also carries responsibility. A listed building must be maintained appropriately. Works require careful documentation. Future operators – whether community-led or through amalgamation – would need to balance preservation with viability.

To the casual observer, the Bowlo’s greens, hall and modest façade may not shout architectural grandeur – although architect F.J. Board was described in the Northern Star as “possibly Lismore’s greatest architect”.

The significance of this site, inside and out, lies in the accumulation of social life and participation over decades.

Heritage protection recognises the importance of proactively safeguarding such spaces.

The next steps now lie in the formal planning pathway, including public exhibition. For now, however, Council’s decision on Thursday 19 February 2026, signals something clear: Bangalow’s bowling club is being recognised not just as a building, but a significant shared ‘third place’ space and a community asset worth protecting.

Sally Schofield

Recently I learned that my partner has aphantasia. The 14-hour economy class flight produced the unexpected information that she could not voluntarily visualise mental images. She couldn’t see something in her mind’s eye – and that this condition was called aphantasia.

I, on the other hand (or seat 17B in this specific circumstance), have quite the opposite condition. I can visualise things to such a vivid and spectacular degree in my mind’s eye that when I lay eyes on the actual thing, the reality can be somewhat disappointing.

When my Year 11 Ancient History teacher, Mr Rawlings, told the class all those years ago of his recent trip to Greece, he recounted sitting on some ancient marble in the ruins of the agora at the foot of the Acropolis – the agora being the meeting place of the ancient Athenian assembly. He then added casually, “It could have been almost the exact spot where the messenger Pheidippides delivered his famous line, ‘Nenikekamen!’ or ‘Rejoice! We conquer!’ before collapsing and dying.”

I was enraptured. My teenage brain exploded. I could see it so clearly in my mind’s eye that I almost dropped dead myself.

He was referring, of course, to the legend of Pheidippides, who ran the 26 miles (42 km) in 490 BCE from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to deliver the improbable news that the vastly outnumbered Athenian army had comprehensively defeated the invading Persians.

The image never left me.

Fast-forward now 2,515 years to the relatively small space around seats 17A and 17B in an aircraft hurtling towards Greece, where your correspondent (me) is not only discovering what aphantasia is, but fairly soon will be wishing that he had it as well. Because we were flying to Athens so that I could run where Pheidippides ran.

I was competing in the Athens Marathon.

The start was incredibly exciting. I had picked up my bib (number 3852) two days previously from a stadium used for the 2004 Athens Olympics. It also contained a Marathon Expo – a huge, neon-lit, multi-storey frenzy of stalls from sporting companies with names referencing Greek gods. Consequently, and for a mere couple of hundred dollars, I had purchased (and was wearing) special marathon socks, compression sleeves for calves, knees and thighs, and a stupid marathon hat. I also had an impressive array of energy gels, electrolyte replacement gels, and a variety of salves, ointments and unguents to promote rapid muscle recovery post-event.

It was exhilarating to be one of about 25,000 participants from around the world lifting our hands in unison towards the overhead drone cameras and yelling (as instructed, in Greek and English) for world peace. There was a muffled explosion (that was the starting gun — I was a fair way back), and we shuffled forward. Five minutes later, I crossed the actual starting line and we were off.

Of the race itself I shall say little. For a running race, it was an emotional roller coaster. I can attest that the so-called ‘runner’s high’ is real. The endorphin release from intense exercise is euphoric.

It does not, however, last for 42 km.

The first 10 km were great. I loped along happily, sucking down energy gels and bright blue electrolyte replacement drinks.

It was my lower extremities that started shutting down first. Appropriately, perhaps, the Achilles area – then my calves got in on the act, and the whole nightmare moved north.

Large flags were posted every five kilometres indicating the distance completed. I noticed that the appearance of these flags slowed whilst the muscle pain increased.

Thirty Ks in and my resolve to keep running – no walking under any circumstances – had found a loophole. I overcame an urgent desire to throw myself in the bushes and weep only by having murderous thoughts about Mr Rawlings. I forced myself to hobble on.

I realise now it was a hallucination, but I swear I saw God at 35 kms. And he looked like Cliff Young.

Whoever or whatever it was, it worked. The crowds lining the final 7 km got louder. I knew they weren’t there for me, but I didn’t care. My wife was – and that was all that mattered.

Pheidippides is my hero.

Turns out he probably didn’t run the marathon after all. He did something far more impressive – he ran from Athens to Sparta before the battle to request Sparta’s help (they declined – religious festival, don’t you know), then back to Athens to deliver the bad news (about 490 km).

On that return trip, so the legend goes, Pheidippides encountered the god Pan on Mount Parthenium, who told him to ask the Athenians why they paid him no attention – he’d helped them before and possibly could be of assistance in the upcoming conflict. The Athenians believed Pheidippides and did indeed build a shrine to Pan under the Acropolis – after all, they did spectacularly repel the invaders.

I’ve always associated Pan with wind instruments and debauchery, but never in my wildest mental imaginings did he look anything like Cliff Young.

… I’m thinking now that Cliff, who ran 875 km from Sydney to Melbourne, was a modern-day Pheidippides, and since I have acquired selective aphantasia, I shall salute them both– from the sidelines.

Note

For those too young to remember, Cliff Young was a 61-year-old vegetarian potato farmer who surprised the world (especially the ultramarathon community) by winning the inaugural Sydney to Melbourne race, essentially by not sleeping. The quintessential human tortoise in a field of hares.

Feature image Angus writing this story on Hydro near Leonard Cohen’s former domicile Photo Sue Franklin (participant in the recent Bangalow Herald photography for news workshop!)

So, when the club shut its doors abruptly earlier this year, no community notice, no public consultation – just a sign and a visit from the locksmith – it hit harder than expected. Because what we lost wasn’t just a building with beer and bowls. We lost a ‘third place’.

Urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined that term in 1989 to describe spaces that exist outside home (the first place) and work (the second place), where community happens organically. “Third places,” he wrote, “are neutral ground… informal, accessible, accommodating… a home away from home.”

Sound familiar?

The Bowlo – as it’s still affectionately known – ticked every box of what makes a ‘third place’ function. It was plain in appearance but welcoming, down-to-earth in its tone, and full of regulars. You could play barefoot bowls with toddlers and teens, or sip a schooner alongside a pensioner watching the footy. No social hierarchy. Just being.

And that presence mattered more than we knew.

The club was absorbed into a Sydney-based consortium through an amalgamation completed in 2023 – one of several regional acquisitions framed as upgrades but largely ending in disrepair and closure. The promised investment never came. Sports clubs, initially wooed by sponsorship money, were left out of pocket. Staff left. And on 24 October, the lights went out without warning.

Local sporting groups have been left without training facilities and a ‘clubhouse’. Carolyn, a Bangalow Netball Club committee member, says “The abrupt closure of the Bangalow Bowling Club has had a significant impact on the Bangalow Netball Club. The Bowlo was the training courts for five netball teams and we used them every Wednesday afternoon. Families may now have to travel to other towns just so their children can train. This puts the club at real risk of losing players and memberships. We hope there is a local solution to ensure our players can continue to participate in the sport they love and remain connected to their community.”

The social impact has been immediate and devastating.

For many older residents, the club was their primary – sometimes only – point of social contact. “Third places,” says academic Louis Heath, who has extensively researched the role of Bowling Clubs in Australian society “are particularly important for those sectors of society that have limited opportunities for social interaction such as the older and new members of the community.” They provide reasons to leave the house, interact, and regain a sense of self beyond the walls of home.

For others, particularly men, the club offered what mental health professionals call a ‘soft entry point’ – an accessible place to talk without the pressure of formality or stigma.

You could just ‘drop in’ no appointment necessary. The famed ‘Table of Knowledge’ is evidence of this. That option is now gone.

For those with limited mobility, chronic health issues or disability, the actual building was one of the only accessible venues in the whole town providing respite from the weather for older residents, or those who, like Richie Allen (now quadriplegic after a sporting accident on the very fields the club overlooks), requires a thermostatically-controlled environment such as that the club once offered, to ensure his comfort and quality of life.

The closure of the club spells the end of a vital cross-generational connector. Bangalow’s Bowlo was one of the rare places where you’d see a 75-year-old retiree swapping gardening tips with a 20-something tradie, or where kids could run free in ‘the cage’ while frazzled parents debriefed on the week that was.

“We have lost our meeting and connection place. How wonderful that any time we popped into the Bowlo we would run into friends, kids would play and we would connect. We are really feeling its absence,” says Anna, mother of two aged 5 and 9.

For newcomers to town, it offered an informal gateway into the community – somewhere to strike up a conversation, find out who’s who, enjoy a meal with friends, or be entertained by people-watching, trivia nights, open-mic events, and incredible live music.

“When Norths suddenly shut the doors of the Bangalow Bowlo, it ripped a hole in the cultural life of the shire,” says Barry ‘Dr Baz’ Ferrier. ‘For musicians, the Bowlo was one of the few remaining grassroots venues where original music, low-key youth gigs and experimental projects could actually happen. There’s a proud history of local bands, touring acts and emerging songwriters all using the auditorium as a launch pad. There’s ‘closed’ sign means lost income, and one less stage in a region that already struggles to keep live music spaces alive.”

“For the open mic community, the impact is even more personal. With a 26-year history these nights weren’t just about getting up and having a sing – they were a weekly ritual where retirees shared the bill with teenagers, where shy writers tried new songs for the first time, and where friendships and collaborations were born over cheap meals and a relaxed crowd.”

Now, the building is locked, and the interiors are neglected. Neighbours have noted rising mould and the unmistakable scent of decay that clings when a space meant for people is left empty. It’s a second insult – the slow undoing of a place where so many memories live. Life events commemorated, losses mourned, graduations celebrated, grand finals won (or lost), a wedding or two, book clubs, Two-Up, a decent parmi/parma and a pint, discos, fundraisers, trivia nights and some of the best live entertainment in the country. Or just shooting the breeze on the back deck overlooking the sports fields, and marvelling at how bloody lucky you are to be living in this paradise?

We often measure community loss in economic terms – jobs lost, property value affected – but what of cultural cost? Emotional continuity? Social wellbeing? Louis reminds us that “bowling clubs significantly contribute to the social capital of our communities… fostering the social wellbeing of many, particularly older, community members.”

We need to make a stand for the value of these places for what they are really: vital infrastructure. Not just venues or businesses, but spaces that carry the emotional weight of community. They aren’t interchangeable. The damage isn’t irreparable – yet. But it does require acknowledgement, transparency and local say in what happens next. Will the community be invited back in? Or will the site continue to rot while the consortium deliberates from afar?

Whatever the outcome, I know this: when a town loses its third place, it doesn’t just lose its clubhouse. It loses part of its collective heartbeat. And I know I’m not the only one who’s not going to stand by and let that happen.

In the weeks since closure, extreme heat and heavy rain has created the perfect environment for mould to proliferate. With no maintenance, cleaning or caretaking in place, the once-lively building is both physically and symbolically rotting. Locals have reported signs of vandalism to the carefully (mostly voluntarily) maintained bowling green. For a club that served its community for 115 years, this feels like a dishonourable demise. It deserves better. We deserve better.

Residents are encouraged to:
• Donate  https://www.gofundme.com/f/bangalow-community-reopen-bangalow-bowlo
• Volunteer their time or expertise – email  savebangalowbowlo@gmail.com
• Write to Norths Collective as Bowlo members concerned about the broken promises and closure of the club
• Follow updates on the Save Bangalow Bowlo Facebook page http:facebook.com/SaveBangalowBowlo

Sally Schofield

Historic images courtesy of the Bangalow Bowling Club

The club, led by President Anthony Maxwell, didn’t give up. Grants Officer Danielle Atkinson, whose son plays juniors, chased every funding lead and wouldn’t take no for an answer.

After years of knock-backs, Danielle secured an initial $40,000 from Cricket NSW – an important breakthrough that unlocked momentum. The NSW Office of Responsible Gambling followed with a further $115,000. The club chipped in $20,000 raised through all the usual raffles, BBQs and persistent locals, demonstrating just how committed this small but mighty club is.

Norths Collective also gave the club a hand, hooking them up with grant writers from Innovative Impact who helped get the paperwork over the line and the result has been well worth the effort.

Built entirely by local hands, the facility showcases the talents of Dick Collin of DFS Fencing & Welding, Andrew Boyle Concreting, and countless club members who prepped the ground and laid turf. Brisbane-based Gabba Sports completed the final installation of the soft netting and synthetic pitch.

The nets were officially launched in mid-October with a BBQ and a visit from the region’s own international cricketers Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson, who presented uniforms to junior players and spoke of their excitement about the new training facility.

Both players live locally and have been getting into the nets themselves – sometimes even helping coach the juniors.

The new facility is more than a cricketing upgrade; it’s a community asset. The nets serve five local public schools including Newrybar, Coorabell and Eureka, and are already drawing representative cricket to the region.

The Far North Coast Cricket Council recently ran a trial match and net session here for the U12s and U13s – a good sign of things to come.

One of the three lanes is always open for public use, and it’s been great to see more locals having a hit – especially more girls giving cricket a go.

With upgraded infrastructure, rising junior participation and elite-level role models training in their backyard, cricket in Bangalow is well and truly on the front foot. And who knows – the next Zampa might just be learning to bowl down at Shultz Oval.

Murray Hand

Photo: Cricketers at new nets  Photo Murray Hand

Over 80 people gathered at the Moller Pavilion, Bangalow at short notice to have a say, ask questions and volunteer in many capacities for essential roles to ensure the community has the best chance of retaining ownership of the club. The session was chaired by Councillor Asren Pugh, and myself, Sally Schofield, as a concerned community member and communications professional.

Now, for those playing at home, this is not the first time the club has been threatened with closure.

Some say in the past 20 years there’s been a few close calls, the last resulting in a highly contentious ‘bail out’ via amalgamation with Sydney-based Norths Collective.

Norths’ commercial formula is the acquisition of ailing businesses with the view of breathing life back into licensed establishments. In their words: “We are in the business of running clubs – and making them better by embedding them within their local community and with the local sports clubs.”[1]

The amalgamation was proposed in 2022 including a Memorandum of Understanding that was edited and revised between Norths and the then Board of the now defunct Bangalow Bowling Club. Norths proudly promoted this agreement as “creating a clear path forward for the Bowlo to be financially secure well into the future.”[2]

Pre-amalgamation, Norths made a compelling pitch to the local community that they were in a position both financially and professionally to restore the club to optimal operation, as soon as three months following the MoU.

So, the sports clubs, members and the wider community were stunned by the sudden closure of the club which came without warning. The closure also cited several reasons why the venue had ceased trading, the number one being the state of the building (which Norths had pledged to fix as part of the deal).

At the impromptu meeting, community members formed tables of knowledge and expertise, and quickly established key areas of concern and strategic opportunities for ways forward.

Naturally, the legal table committed to scrutinising the MoU with the assistance of a barrister should the need arise for further action.

A hospitality table joined forces, pooling their decades worth of experience for revamping the food and drink side of things, while an entertainment and events group scoped out potential streams for supporting the club via live events, and fundraising.

The building and construction table were particularly productive, organising an independent building report to confirm (or not) the safety of the building, cited by Norths as the primary reason for immediate closure.

A team of business and finance specialists explored ideas about what was publicly perceived to have gone wrong with the Norths operation (in the absence of any financial reports relating to the Bowlo), and a detailed checklist of points to review was drawn up.

A table of sports club representatives shared their views on the situation and emphasises the importance of the sponsorship money owed by Norths (and promised in the MoU) much of which is still outstanding.

Finally, the communications and marketing table made extensive plans for local, national and wider coverage of the sudden closure of the Club and the lack of clarity around the stated reasons. A media plan has been drawn up focusing on social media, crowd funding, radio and television interviews to raise public awareness for the efforts of a small group of Bangalow folk trying to take on a financial-focused Sydney based consortium.

Whats App groups and group emails have popped up, and regular meetings called to ensure the tables of knowledge (and new recruits) are connecting meaningfully with one another and all working in the same direction. It’s heartwarming to see.

There is still plenty to be done. The first step is the Save Bangalow Bowlo group creating a new Advisory Committee (which then needs to be introduced to Norths via the current Bangalow Advisory Committee) who, after Norths approval, will then be permitted to communicate directly with Norths on this matter, but under the strictest confidence.

It was delightful to see the number of eligible community members who came forward to volunteer for these positions, and it can only be hoped that Norths Collective approves these nominations swiftly so that the next stage of negotiation can continue.

Norths Collective issued an alarmingly short time frame for a community response of 28 days (some say ‘one month’, another sticking point in negotiations), so the Save Bangalow Bowlo group is working around, and against, the clock to get new representatives for the Advisory Committee in place in order to continue discussions.

The clubs aren’t happy, the players aren’t happy, the patrons aren’t happy and the rest of the community is wondering what the hell is going on. The Save Bangalow Bowlo group is trying to get to the bottom of it and they will need your support in many ways to do this over a very, very short period of time.

If you can assist with a significant financial contribution, now’s the time to speak up – email savebangalowbowlo@gmail.com for a confidential discussion.

Community members with expertise in any of the areas mentioned above, a willingness for working bees (yes, here we go again, thanks Norths), or ideas for fundraising, donations of products, services and supplies – Save Bangalow Bowlo is also calling on you, so get in touch savebangalowbowlo@gmail.com

Everyone else invested in keeping the community asset in community hands, rest assured your opinions matter. You will soon be invited to express your hopes and fears for the Club via an online form, as well as advising ways in which you might be involved in the Save Bangalow Bowlo group but in the meantime, email savebangalowbowlo@gmail.com with any comments or insights you have.

The issue of amalgamation with Norths tore the village in two back in ’22. It’s heartwarming to see that we are once again united with the common goal of returning this essential community asset back to the hands of the people of Bangalow.

Sally Schofield

[1] Norths Collective website (https://northscollective.com.au/bangalowbowlo/), accessed 4/11/2025

[2] Ibid.

READ MORE

Sudden closure sparks community action
(25 October 2025)

Norths goes south
(24 October 2025)

Norths grilled over delays on Bowlo promises
(24 May 2025)

Norths Collective has had two difficult trading years for a number of reasons – post-COVID impacts, cost-of-living crisis, lack of available discretionary spending, rising costs in all expense areas, changing entertainment preferences and pokies being on the nose (good!). The hospitality industry is generally struggling across the board, and Norths Collective is no different. However, they have reset and restructured in all key areas and are trading well in 2025, with high expectations of turning things around in fairly short order. They are most definitely not engaging in any further club mergers or acquisitions and understand that they need to focus on their existing assets. They intend to reduce bank debt by selling off a valuable Sydney asset and significantly improve cash flow in order to invest in the remaining group assets, including the Bangalow Bowlo.

Here’s the outcome of last night’s meeting:

The Draft Master Plan and Draft Development Application for the proposed major renovations for the Bowlo are on hold for the short to medium term – likely one to two years – and until their financial position has significantly improved to allow what will be a multi-million-dollar investment. They have five years following amalgamation – that’s until mid-2028 – to commence the major renovations, according to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and I think they will need all of that time to commence and complete the job. I advised them in no uncertain terms that Bangalow Bowlo members and, indeed, the Bangalow community are deeply unhappy with this outcome and that it’s most definitely not what we signed up for, despite what the MOU terms and conditions may state. They heard it loud and clear from me and well understand our acute concerns. They appear to be contrite and genuine. However, they are heavily capital-constrained, and it’s just not possible at this time. Most disappointing, given our high expectations in 2022. It’s a gut punch, for sure.

What will commence and mostly be completed in 2025 includes the following work items:

• Complete replacement of the bifold windows and doors in the auditorium, for both aesthetic and acoustic reasons (just completed in May 2025 – well done, Salvo!)
• Fresh painting of the property, including repairs to gutters and eaves
• Screening and clean-up of the under-veranda storage area
• Screening of the refrigeration unit located in the car park
• Repairs to outdoor shade sails
• New outdoor festoon lighting
• Upgrade of the audiovisual system to assist in the operation of functions, events and other promotional activities
• Repair and replacement of furniture items throughout the venue
• Make the pokie room less conspicuous – there are no plans to add more machines
• Install new television screens and related equipment

Norths Collective has appointed a new Group CEO and a new Group COO, both of whom are very experienced. I met with the new COO and he said he’d anonymously visited the Bangalow Bowlo last weekend just to have a look (he doesn’t commence until June 2025) and committed to sorting out the management and staffing issues as a priority. I advised him that our team members are distressed and confused and need immediate assistance and support.

On an interim basis, experienced staff will be redeployed from Tweed Heads Seagulls until a new GM for the Bowlo is appointed. They need to appoint a strong, experienced GM as soon as possible and sort out the spotty service problems – including better rostering, I advised.

My assessment is that Norths Collective will paddle along until their financial position improves and allows for the promised investments and building upgrades at the Bowlo to take place. I think they’ll get there – but we shall have to be patient, grrrr! I don’t believe that they have any grand plan to do anything other than run a licensed club at Bangalow, so please don’t be concerned that our much-loved club will turn into a block of flats overnight. We won’t let that happen, and my assessment is that it’s not on Norths Collective’s radar at all.

In the meantime, please support the Bowlo – eat, drink, play – that’ll help.

Greg ‘Nashy’ Nash

Photos Lyn McCarthy Niche Pictures

When I first met him 25 years ago much of his spare time was taken up with soccer – he was a force to be reckoned with when he was barrelling in to steal the ball from you (I used to avert my eyes). After several years, several broken bones and many chiropractic sessions I suggested that his soccer days might be nearing an end. About the same time a certain postmaster Mr Gerry Swain was attempting to coerce him to join the Bangalow Men’s Bowling Club. Eventually, after a few friendly barefoot bowls events and more coercion he relented and started playing lawn bowls. Not only did he discover that he enjoyed the game; he soon learned that he was quite good at it.

In April 2025, he became a dual gold medal winner in the NSW State Championships held over the course of three weeks at the Ballina Cherry Street Bowling Club – a nightmare for organisers because it rained almost nonstop. But these aren’t the only medals in his chest so I sat him down to discuss all things “Bowls”.

How did you move from playing in your local club to outside competitions?
Competitions start within the club for the annual singles, pairs, triples, fours champions. Then you progress to regional championships where our club competes against others in those same disciplines plus an annual Pennants competition. At a regional level I met my future pairs partner, Damien Delgado, when he and I had to face-off for the regional singles title (able-bodied). Damien is currently a member of the Australian Disability Squad (he is wheelchair bound) but back in 2017 he suggested that we team up for the Queensland State Disability Championship where we won a silver medal in the pairs. We went on to win bronze and silver medals in 2018 and 2019 and in 2019 also won a silver medal in the Australian Open.

Winning a gold medal for the Reserves Singles title this year has been extra sweet for me. My current pairs partner, John Gibson, and I were really pleased to win the gold in our Pairs final because we were up against last year’s Pairs Champions, one of whom is a current Australian Jackaroo representative.

What is the biggest challenge you face as a player with a disability?
I was born with my disability. My mother was prescribed the thalidomide drug when she was pregnant. It was meant to reduce the effects of morning-sickness but unfortunately resulted in a world-wide tragedy in the countries which ignored the knowledge that there had been no testing on animals to support its safety. Having been like this all my life, I think, gives me a bit of an advantage over a player who is disabled through injury. The biggest difficulty for me with bowls is getting a grip on the bowl because I don’t have properly formed fingers. But the weather at the recent State Championship added another level of difficulty because the bowls were wet and slippery.
Author’s note: Both of Richard’s finals were exciting matches to watch and both were decided in the final end. I was allowed to assist in the capacity of official bowl dryer.

Is a win for Richard Rombouts a win for the Bangalow Bowling Club?
Yes it is. While I am super pleased at a personal level to have won two gold medals, I also recognise that my Bangalow club mates helped me to get here. They have pushed me to improve and have been really supportive and encouraging.

Are there other things you have become involved in as a Bangalow lawn bowler?
Presently I am the Club bowls coordinator responsible for organising club championship games as well as social bowls on a Wednesday and Saturday. I try to compete in all the regional championships and encourage other club members to join in. I’m a qualified marker for Bowls Australia and I have recently qualified as a Bowls Australia club coach.

It sounds like it is all-consuming Richard?
Well, no one would know that better than you Carolyn! But, the truth is that some people in the club are happy to have a roll-up on a Wednesday afternoon whereas, for me, the game appeals to my competitive nature.

Postscript: The thalidomide epidemic prompted a global reckoning around drug safety and regulation. In Australia, it contributed to the eventual development of stricter drug approval processes, culminating in the formation of the Therapeutic Goods Administration in 1989.

Carolyn Adams

Hapkiyusul is an ancient discipline that focuses on strengthening muscles, enhancing cardiovascular health, and teaching valuable self-protection techniques. It’s a holistic system that combines a variety of exercises and methods designed to improve both physical fitness and overall well-being. While its exact origins remain somewhat mysterious, it’s believed that the practice began in India before making its way through China, Korea, and Japan, ultimately returning to South Korea in 1946, where it became more formally documented.

The system was passed down through a long line of masters, with the most recent custodians being three Korean and Japanese practitioners. It was from the last of these masters that the discipline was handed down to Jarrod Taylor, who now teaches Hapkiyusul classes in Bangalow. Recognised as the highest-ranked practitioner of the discipline, Jarrod’s journey is truly remarkable.

Raised in Rosebank and Lismore, Jarrod developed an early interest in Hapkido and Asian culture, particularly Korean traditions. His passion led him to South Korea in 1999, where he began studying both Hapkido and the Korean language at university. In 2002, he met Kim Yun Sang, the final custodian of Hapkiyusul, and began rigorous training with him, practicing twice daily for nearly two decades. Upon Kim’s passing, Jarrod was bestowed with a rare honour—one of only two 9th Dan ranks ever awarded by Kim—as well as being informally named his successor. In 2023, Jarrod and his family returned to Australia, where he began teaching the discipline in the Northern Rivers, including in Bangalow, Lismore, Bexhill, and Murwillumbah.

While Hapkiyusul had been practiced locally for some time, Jarrod’s expertise was needed to ensure its proper instruction. The 90-minute classes are open to people of all ages and fitness levels. When many think of martial arts, they envision high-impact moves like karate kicks or dramatic throws. However, Hapkiyusul is different. Classes begin with 45 minutes of stretching and cardiovascular exercises, followed by paired exercises that use the partner’s body to enhance strength, flexibility, and joint mobility. This gentle, methodical approach provides a way to improve muscle tone, strengthen connective tissue, and increase overall body flexibility. In addition, students learn simple yet effective self-protection techniques—not dramatic moves, but practical methods for defending oneself in real-life situations.

A unique aspect of Hapkiyusul is its mental discipline. Every class involves memorising a series of movements, which is excellent for brain health, especially as we age. The practice’s mental focus helps to sharpen memory and cognitive function.

As someone in their 70s with average fitness, I’ve been practicing Hapkiyusul for almost a year. It has had a positive impact on my fitness and general health, and best of all, I haven’t experienced any injuries.

hapkiyusulglobal.com

Murray Hand