Since a special meeting in July that saw changes to the makeup of the volunteer board of directors, membership and patronage have seen a healthy boost.

Led by honorary board president Margaret Marsh, step one has been to restructure the club, most obviously with the employment of professional bar staff to serve patrons on a full time basis. 

Long-time resident Daniel Summerville, who has been associated with the club for many years, is now its liquor and gaming manager, and keen to spread the word that when anyone walks through the door, they will be greeted by a friendly happy atmosphere.

“I have been in Bowraville for 37 years, I love the town, it’s a beautiful place with lots of friendly people - and that’s what you will find here in the club,” Daniel told the Guardian.

With the board handling the club’s administrative and accounting duties on a voluntary basis, sights have been set on moving to a more sustainable footing.

Already the club’s old fluorescent lights have been replaced with LEDs under a NSW Government subsidy scheme, the number of recycling bins has been increased and plans are in place to move to solar power in the New Year.

The club is also looking to increase its attraction to ‘Gen Y’ by getting back into the live entertainment scene.

“Plus member requests for a jukebox have been heard and one will be installed when the NRL footy season ends,” Margaret said.

She said priorities for the immediate future were to clear the debt which had built up over recent years, as well as upgrade the facilities to “bring the club into the 21st century”.

“The club recognises its responsibilities as a community leader and is formulating strategies to enhance its profile with other not-for-profit organisations in the community ... watch this space.”