Legality of RSL decisions questioned
Image: Bronte RSL social club members have been left in the dark over the clubs decision making processes.
The future of the Bronte Returned and Services League (RSL) social club remains in doubt after members voted to sell a row of poker machines to pay off debts at a controversial meeting held on June 11.
Some club members have questioned the legitimacy and legality of the decisions.
Keri Spooner, a long-time member of the club and co-convener of the “Save Bronte” campaign group, said the meet was “an absolute travesty”.
Dr Spooner said membership had not been updated since the club closed in 2012. Information had not been sent to members from the executive, membership records were not on display at the meeting and there were no membership checks in place.
“I just walked in the front door,” she said.
“It is possible nobody in that room was even a member.”
Another attendee, who declined to give her name, supported Dr Spooner. She described the proceedings as “coup d’état” with “a complete lack of transparency.”
The meeting was chaired by Bronte RSL sub-branch secretary Simon Paterson.
Mr Paterson announced at the meeting the Bronte RSL development application (DA) was near approval and the sub-branch would be seeking “expressions of interest” from other clubs to fill the space.
“I don’t know where he got that information,” a club member said.
“I don’t know how he could know that. The DA was only very recently rejected.
“I do not know who this guy is to be making these announcements.”
Dr Spooner said she doubts the legality of the proceedings.
“There has been no [annual meeting] for years, no renewal of memberships, no chairing of meetings. There is no ATM at the club.
“Significant financial decisions were being made by people who have nothing to do with the club.”
The Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing is taking the allegations seriously.
“The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing will review the information provided in relation to the Bronte RSL Club Limited and conduct an initial assessment,” an office spokesperson.
“Should this initial assessment identify suspected contraventions or non-compliance issues with registered club and gaming laws an investigation will be conducted.”
Dr Spooner said she sympathised with veterans and their families.
“The social club was fantastic. It was a great place. It provided the emotional warmth of being with mates and physical warmth.”
A Bronte RSL Club representative was unavailable for comment.
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