A members’ vote this week for Maitland District Leagues Club to amalgamate with Club Maitland City has sealed the $3.035million sale of the leagues club’s Bulwer Street premises to a private investor.
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Maitland City President Henry Meskauskas and Leagues Club President Ben Newcombe were both overwhelmed with the way Wednedsay night’s vote went across both sites with the majority supporting amalgamation.
One of the conditions of the club’s sale was that members agree to a memorandum of understanding supporting the clubs’ merger. Mr Newcombe could not disclose who the purchaser is but said the club will continue to trade until the amalgamation is settled.
The Leagues Club went into voluntary administration earlier this year owing about $2million. Fairfax Media reported how its administrators and Maitland City CEO Ian Martin announced the merger plan, entering into a memorandum of understanding which had been agreed to "in principle". The final say however, was to come down to club members and Leagues Club creditors followed by a final seal of approval from the regulator, the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority of NSW.
Mr Meskauskas said about 90 members cast their vote at Club Maitland City on Wednesday night and about 40 at the Leagues Club.
Mr Newcombe said it was a positive outcome. “This was the best outcome for the community, rugby league, the club and its members,” he said. “It’s the best outcome to come out of a poor situation to ensure our history, culture and traditions continue. We’re still Maitland Leagues Club, we’re just operating from a different location,” Mr Newcombe said.
