Sold a dummy: rumours of a Newstead-Emus amalgamation dismissed

Rumours circulated that two undercover bowling greens would be built at the Woodward Street site with club facilities for the Newstead bowlers to be approved. 

Mr Norton said the Newstead board had not entered into discussions with Emus, but any option made available to the club would be put to a vote by its members.

“I wouldn’t say its definitely not happening ... but Emus didn’t put in an expression of interest,” he said. 

Emus Rugby Club president Toby Tancred said the rumours were not true but the club would put in an expression of interest.

“We’re interested in talking to Newstead ... we’d put up a bowling green and they’d use our facilities,” he said. 

The Newstead premises in Hill Street was for sale because the club’s dwindling membership had meant it would no longer be financially viable. 

Mr Norton said tenders for the building and the grounds would close on June 16 and the club had received “several” closed offers which would not be put to the club members until its general meeting in June 25. 

“It’s not just about the dollar amount,” he said. 

“We may find there may be a tender that isn’t as high but gives us better options.”

One sticking point for club members had been retaining their identity as a club but with amalgamation with three other clubs on the cards, Mr Norton hopes it is not a point they may have to compromise on. 

“We’ve had re-confirmations of expressions of interest from two local clubs and recent return of a third club,” he said.

“Everything we’re doing is to ensure the viable longevity of Newstead and sometimes we have to face reality.”

The Club had to re-advertise its tender in order to satisfy a Clubs NSW requirement which meant the vote on the future of the club was not held at the end of May as previously flagged. 

nicole.kuter@fairfaxmedia.com.au