Craig Kelly (Hughes, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am pleased to report to the House that the Heathcote Services and Citizen Club, which operates as Club Heathcote, has been saved. This club first opened back in 1964, but, unfortunately, it went into voluntary administration in March this year. After attending the original creditors meeting and speaking to the administrator, I must admit that the future looked bleak, and there was great concern amongst the local community about whether the club would be able to survive. However, the great news is that refinancing arrangements have been agreed to by the creditor. This will allow the club to reopen in December this year.

About 120 members gathered last week to support the plan and they elected a new board of directors. I'd like to congratulate Tim Brown, who was elected as the president, and Simone Pettit, who was elected as vice-president. This is great news for the local community. The new board plans to reinvigorate the club, starting with a community festival day on 9 December. There will be market stalls, food stalls, children's rides, boutique brewery tastings—which I am sure will bring in the crowds—and live entertainment, including local groups. I look forward to attending. I wish the new directors of the club all the best, and I congratulate those who worked on saving this club.