Susanna Freymark
A sudden announcement by Club Evans on its Facebook page has been followed by an online petition.
The club’s announcement said: “Unfortunately owing to the Liquor Act regulations and advice from Clubs NSW solicitor, Club Evans RSL – Evans Head is no longer able to proceed with the Taphouse Brewery concept.”
The taphouse concept grew out of the Backyard Sessions held at the riverfront of Club Evans.
The sessions promoted live music and were run by a volunteer committee.
They raised $50,000 that went towards flood recovery.
After six events, it was decided to make it a permanent arrangement by developing it as the Taphouse.
The Taphouse concept had been agreed with former Club Evans chief executive Greg Targett and the board. But Mr Targett has since left to work at another club.
The Little River Taphouse was supposed to open on August 21.
But that has fallen apart. The reason why isn’t clear.
Twelve weeks ago, Mandy Dunn was appointed as chief executive.
IndyNR has contacted her seeking comment about the brewery announcement. We have received no response.
Resident Lauren Heath has started an online petition addressed to the RSL Club board urging it to reconsider the decision to not partner with the Taphouse team.
In part, it says, “The proposed partnership with the Taphouse team, while undoubtedly undertaken with the best intentions, has stirred considerable concern among us at the poor communication and reactive nature of the decision.
“We envision a venue that not only continues to serve as a cornerstone of community life but also evolves into a vibrant destination for music, culture and tourism.”
Read the petition in full here.
