Brendan Simpkins

A REPORT regarding lease arrangements between South Gawler Football Club and Gawler Squash Club was tabled at last night’s Gawler Council meeting, after The Bunyip’s print deadline.

The report was compiled following a resolution at last month’s council meeting, presented by Cr Cody Davies.

It is yet another twist in the saga between the two clubs as an outcome that satisfies both parties is attempted to be found.

Last week, a meeting was scheduled involving Mayor Karen Redman and council chief executive officer Henry Inat, which aimed to discuss options moving forward.

An invitation was extended to representatives of both the football and squash clubs, but according to the report, this invitation was declined by South.

It is mentioned in the report “there was nothing to gain for the football club from another meeting”.

South holds the lease for the shared facilities at Eldred Riggs Reserve, which has been in place since 1985 when council took over the portions of land from the former Munno Para Council.

As previously reported by The Bunyip, South has indicated its intent to take back court two after previously taking over court three and converting it into a warm-up space.

South wants to take over the remaining courts to upgrade its change-room facilities, allowing for the extension of the current home and away change rooms to purely away rooms.

The squash club is an affiliate of South Gawler, but it is not a financial member and does not have voting rights at annual general meetings.

At South’s 2019 AGM, it was resolved it take over the use of court two.

It is noted in the report South has breached its lease with council after it was discovered that a hole had been smashed into the wall separating courts two and three.

Under the lease, South is not permitted to make alterations without council’s approval, resulting in direct and written contact and preventing further work.

However, the squash club was issued with a notice to vacate and hand back the keys to the squash facility by June 17.

The meeting between Ms Redman, Mr Inat and the squash club was held the same day.

Present at the meeting was Squash SA chief executive officer Geoff Baynes. Discussions included seeking funding from Squash SA to be used upgrading the courts to allow for shared use space.

The current lease between South and council is due to expire in December, with negotiations to take place next month.

On Monday, the squash club announced via its Facebook page that it had lost access to the courts, which “we have called home for years”.

“While terribly disappointing, we’re hopeful this is not the end for the club,” it read.

“We still have people working to try and find solutions, but we’re unsure what might change or when that might happen.”

Last month, the squash club held an open night, attended by former world No.1 squash player Vicki Cardwell. It is reported the club’s membership grew to more than 40 players following the event. Mr Inat, Ms Redman and several councillors also attended.