LESS than a year after forming a new entity after the collapse into liquidation of the old one, the Hastings Club again faces an uncertain future with a letter out to members outlining a dire situation.
Frantic efforts behind the scenes to get the club open after closing due to a water leak have been met with delay and “lip service from the shire”, according to the chairman of the club David Gibbs. “This isn’t just a ‘Hastings Club’ problem, this is a Hastings problem,” said Gibbs. “Take a look around. The pool was closed all summer, so was the gym. The hall is being closed for maintenance, and of course, we know the long and unresolved story of the Hastings Senior Citizen’s Club.” “It just seems the shire are allowing Hastings to just fade away, totally neglected and never a consideration.”
The Hastings Club, founded in 1967, was placed into liquidation last year after rising debts associated with the club’s gaming machines (Hastings Club plans pokies-free future, The News 26/3/24). Re-establishing itself it struggled to regain its footing, with the club’s bistro running at a loss.
The club went to members in August and raised $50,000 of working capital with their eyes fixed on the busy summer trading period as the time they would gain their footing, but a water leak in the shire managed building caused the venue to be closed on 30 October.
“The most pessimistic person could not have known the length of time it would take to locate and repair the leak,” said Gibbs in a letter to members seen by The News. “The water leak was eventually repaired on 10 December 2024 and the repairs to the damage caused were expected to be completed by Christmas. [This changed to] early January, before Australia Day, by the end of January, until the most recent advice of mid-March.
“After the completion of repairs there are many challenges facing the Club. “The club is in debt, has no remaining funds after being closed for over three and a half months, has no staff, no stock of food and beverage, and a restart would require re-commissioning of fridges, ovens, beer systems, computer systems etc. “The shire has told us in clear terms there is no possibility of financial support beyond the potential to apply for a few small grants.”
The letter outlined plans for an information meeting for members on 11 March and a Special General Meeting on Tuesday 25 March 2025. At that meeting, members will be asked if they have the will to raise new funds for the club to continue or whether they should “lay it to rest”.
Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Anthony Marsh expressed sympathy for the plight of the club and told The News “This is a critical moment for the Hastings Club as it considers its future. We respect the committee’s work and encourage constructive discussions among members to find a sustainable path forward”.
In response to an email sent to all councillors by club committee member, Kevin Miles, expressing his frustration at the currently situation, Cr Gill replied to all councillors in an email seen by The News. “We need the Hastings Club to get back to providing sporting and other important community programs before the club potentially folds. Many promises have been made but delivery has been short coming,” said the email. “This has gone on to the detriment of the Hastings community for far too long. “We have recently given $1m each to important groups in Portsea and Sorrento to support worthwhile causes. “Hastings is suffering economically and with cost-of-living pressures, businesses are closing and there is a sense of nobody cares.”
First published in the Mornington News – 4 March 2025
