Jabiru Sports Club closes

THERE wasn’t even a chance for last drinks ... the coronavirus pandemic has claimed the Jabiru Sports and Social Club.

A notice of permanent closure of the once-thriving community club has gone up and a voluntary administrator has been appointed.

The club committee said the club’s gaming licence and liquor licence would be surrendered.

The club has not opened since March, when it was forced to shut its doors because of the Northern Territory’s restrictions on trading by licensed premises as part of the response to COVID-19.

The Jabiru Sports and Social Club committee issued a statement to its members and the Jabiru community on Friday that the club would not reopen.

“It is with regret that the committee of the Jabiru Sports and Social Club Inc announces the permanent closure of the club,” the committee said in the statement to members.

“We thank all current and past members, suppliers and the Jabiru community for the support given over many years of trading.

“A voluntary administrator, Stuart Reid of Rodgers Reidy in Darwin, has been appointed to oversee the orderly winding up of the club.

“Given this, when Stuart is able, it is his intention to surrender the club’s liquor licence and gaming licence.”

The club was one of two licensed clubs in Jabiru. The other is the Jabiru Golf Club.

The only other licensed premises in Jabiru at which locals can consume liquor without having to purchase a meal is the Crocodile Hotel.

Prior to COVID-19 restrictions the club was well patronised by members of the local Indigenous community and a substantial segment of the trade was Ranger mine workers and their families.