Club Glass House sells to Caboolture Sports Club aft er falling into debt
By Kirra Livingstone
CLUB Glass House has officially amalgamated with Caboolture Sports Club in a landmark move that ends its long-standing run as a local community-owned venue.
It followed the announcement from the new ‘Glassie’ board that the club had been in financial dire straits and would not be able to continue trading beyond June 30.
The historic agreement, described by the club as a major milestone, is set to secure long-term sustainability under CSC’s management.
The club ceased trading on Sunday, June 29, with a temporary closure on Monday, June 30 to allow for a seamless transition.
It will reopen on Tuesday, July 1 under CSC management.
“With the support of CSC Group – one of Queensland’s most respected club groups, our venue is well positioned for long-term sustainability, improvement, and exciting growth opportunities,” the Club Glass House team said.
“We would like to sincerely thank all our members for their ongoing support of Club Glass House and patience during this transition period.
“We’re incredibly excited about what the future holds and are confident this new chapter with CSC Group will bring more opportunities, greater value, and a revitalised long-term experience for our members.”
The decision follows an urgent general meeting held earlier this year, where members were informed the club was facing debts exceeding $100,000 and had no option but to merge or shut down.
Club Glass House has a rich history within the hinterland community, being an amalgamation itself between the Beerwah Peachester RSL Sub Branch (Beerwah RSL and Citizens Memorial Club) and the Glasshouse Bowls Club (Glasshouse Country Bowls Club).
Both clubs were started in the 1950s, with return service personnel forming the sub branch, while the bowls club was formed by community members.
After decades of both clubs running independently, in 2001 the Glasshouse Country Bowls Club liaised with the sub branch to merge due to failing financial stability.
The Beerwah RSL and Citizens Memorial Club became the owner of the freehold property at Glasshouse Bowls Club, and bowlers became a section of the Beerwah RSL and Citizens Memorial Club and continued to run the game of bowls under the constitution and rules of the parent club.
The clubhouse (bar and gaming) and maintenance of the green was run by the same club.
Finally, in 2011 the Beerwah-Peachester RSL sub branch left the premises at Beerwah, and moved its entire business to the Glasshouse Country Bowls Club.
Renovations including a commercial kitchen were then made the premises.
In August 2011, members voted to change the name of the two combined clubs to Club Glass House marking a new chapter.
CSC CEO, Craig Thomas, said they were thrilled to become a part of the Glass House community.
“We’re really excited to help the club grow and get back on track,” he said.
Former manager, Sharon Bochow, said it would have been unlikely for the club to have traded out of the debt.
“The problem I personally see is if Club Glass House by some miracle managed to find a qualified and experienced manager to take this on and they could raise enough money to operate out of the debt and cover the wages of someone of this calibre, then this would more than likely happen again,” she said.
“The structure of small community clubs committees is volunteers, and 99 per cent of the time those with no business background.
“As soon as the Club looks to be operating well and there is no politics, then people tend to step away and take their eye off the ball.”
Under CSC ownership, the club’s debts will be paid out, with further plans to upgrade the venue, including sealing the gravel car park, improving lighting, and installing new carpet and furniture.