Thanks @TV.Cynic for the photo montage effort.
MY GC set the record straight against Gold Coast Bulletin/News Ltd reporting:
The Hot Tomato owned digital news/advertising platform clarifies what the Gold Coast Bulletin published on a traditionally quiet news Monday.
In Southport, there is an RSL ‘club’, it seems of offer bingo, live music, cheap meals etc from the signs I see driving by. There is also an RSL sub-branch. This is what supports returned servicemen.
It’s the sub branch that is selling to clear debts, however there was no mention this is separate to the club, in fact, the ‘report’ said the club was doing poorly with quotes from ‘experts’ (drips under pressure really) to add to it.
Good to see that following the Cameron’s acquisition, Hot Tomato continue to utilise their journos to full potential. The above article had a byline by the news director, ex Sydney radio/TV journo, Matt McDonald.
Article that caused the problem follows:
Summary
Gold Coast RSL to sell building due to mortgage struggles
The sub-branch behind one of the Gold Coast’s biggest and oldest RSL clubs has decided to sell the building because it “can no longer afford to pay the current mortgage”.
ANDREW POTTS , Gold Coast Bulletin
September 23, 2019 1:27pm
THE sub-branch behind one of the Gold Coast’s biggest and oldest RSL clubs has decided to sell the building because it “can no longer afford to pay the current mortgage”.
A letter by Southport RSL Sub-Branch president John Riebeling, seen by the Bulletin, seeks to clarify rumours swirling about the 36 Scarborough Street venue struggling.
“As a matter of courtesy, I would like to pass on to you directly, a decision that was made at a meeting of Sub-Branch members last Sunday, so that you have the facts rather than rumour,” he wrote to local MP Sam O’Connor.
“At that meeting, a motion was passed to seek to sell the building at 36 Scarborough Street known at RSL Club Southport. This decision was not taken lightly and was made primarily because the Sub-Branch can no longer afford to pay the current mortgage.
“The Sub-Branch will still be located in Southport in a building yet to be determined. Our commitment to the support of the veteran community and the community at large will not diminish,” Mr Riebeling wrote.
The Southport RSL Memorial Club president Mark Tull said: “The Sub-Branch has decided to sell the land and buildings to establish its own premises through which to continue to conduct its welfare work for veterans and their dependents.
“On the other hand the Memorial Club is the prospective purchaser of the land and buildings, and will continue to provide social amenities for veterans and their families, the wider ex-service community and the Southport community at large,” Mr Tull said.
Meanwhile the Bulletin can also reveal the venue has lost its TAB licence and Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow claims it has been surviving on bingo game income.
The TAB stopped operating this month.
Cr Crichlow said the club was in urgent need of help.
“There have been financial problems and they owe quite a bit of money,” she said.
“Somebody must help them. It is tough out there. I don’t think people realise how bloody tough it is.
“Most of the time it has been working on a shoestring budget. They rely on bingo to survive.
“This is one of biggest and most important community institutions and it must survive.”
Southport RSL was founded in the aftermath of World War I and was established on its current site in 1938.
Its existing building was erected in 1996.
Southport RSL and its general manager has been contacted for comment by the Bulletin .
“It will be devastating. The community role they play in terms of commemoration is important.
“They have to be viable businesses and the state RSL seems disinterested in helping these community assets.
“The state RSL shouldn’t carry them but they should support them.”
It comes three years after the Bulletin revealed RSL clubs and sub-branches were in crisis, with ageing memberships and difficulties in accessing money putting the squeeze on community organisations.
Clubs Queensland spokeswoman Laura Bos confirmed the RSL had longstanding financial issues.
“We are aware Southport has been having trading difficulties for some time and this is a signal of what his happening across the board in terms of consumerism,” she said.
“Things like Uber Eats and Netflix have changed the way people interact with clubs and entertainment.
“This club particularly is one which has not invested in itself in terms of keeping its offers current and relevant to the market in changing times.
“It has always been challenged as a result.”
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This was also reported on Seven and Nine local news bulletins last night as “fake” news
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Good to see, another News Ltd ‘reports of my death are greatly exaggerated’ instance. Unnecessary confusion.
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With Margaux Parker at 4MMM bfast for the foreseeable future, there’s the usual carousel of co-hosts for Luke Bradnam’s drive show on Gold FM.
Not begun well, today’s guest host is Ash Pollard.
It’s a tough (perceptive) crowd at my workplace. We’ve heard two breaks and the verdict is not good.
We all have an understanding now how SCA have bombed in Gosford, her contribution hasn’t been good. Not a natural fit like Margaux. This is more like Libby Trickett again.
Question will remain for following guests, who has actually come into the Broadbeach studio and who is remotely winging it?
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The only good thing in the last two posts is Luke Bradnam dressed up for change, for a weather cross on 9.
Hot Tomato should be able to capitalise on this well.
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Someone should tell them reminiscing only makes it worse.
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Sad to see Bridge go. Her best shows were with Richard Fowler when Gold 92.5/MMM had its most success in recent times.
Bridge has been talking about Flinders Island for some time now, so another year of the same wasn’t tempting with the move planned.
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I haven’t listened so can’t be sure. However, according to this roster for week commencing 6th November, there is no mention of Moyra & Baggs doing drive, with Jake Chapman (Olivia Scott on Friday) filling in.
The comments from this Facebook post from Tuesday last week may shed some light on the matter:
Apparently, one of the comments said that Baggs has gone to teach at a “radio podcast college”.
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Also from the Facebook page which will probably explain what’s going on.
Hi Teena, thanks for your message. The Moyra & Baggs drive show has finished up early for the year. Baggs has resigned from Hot Tomato, but Moyra will be back in 2022 with a brand new local drive show
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According to Sunday Herald Sun’s Tony Sheahan, Sarah Cumming is competing against her former Seven News colleague Bianca Stone to fill the vacant co-host spot on 92.5 Triple M breakfast. Sarah has had one trial and is set for another this week.
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