The Titans Community Club Limited, a not for profit community organisation, has submitted an Expression of Interest for the future of the Runaway Bay Rugby League Precinct, including the operation of the Leagues Club.
Submissions have now closed and Council is considering the proposals. We understand there are several competing submissions, and we respect that process.
We also understand that Leagues Club members and patrons, football players and families, volunteers and local community groups want to know what our proposal would mean for them.
Protecting what the community has built.
Generations of Runaway Bay Rugby League members, volunteers and families have given their time, skills and money to build, improve and care for this precinct. They did it for rugby league and for the generations who would follow.
This is a precinct built by the community, for the community. Its history, identity and connection to rugby league deserve to be respected and protected, so everyone who belongs here can continue to feel at home.
The Leagues Club’s members and patrons are an important part of that story. Their loyalty and ongoing custom help sustain the venue, and for many, it is a familiar place to meet friends, share a meal and feel connected to their community. That matters to us.
Working together for the future of rugby league.
Throughout this process, we have developed a positive and collaborative relationship with the Runaway Bay junior and senior football committee members.
These dedicated volunteers give generously of their time and bring passion, professionalism and a deep commitment to their players, families and the future of rugby league.
We have listened carefully to their concerns, and we agree with the outcomes they are seeking. The Football Club needs certainty for the future, a fair and sustainable financial contribution, better facilities, welcoming spaces for children and families, practical access between the fields and licensed venue, and better opportunities to watch football from the clubhouse.
We have agreed to incorporate these priorities into our arrangements with the Football Club and preserve them in the long term lease agreement. We want both committees to succeed and to have the resources and confidence to grow the game.
Why we also submitted an EOI.
Runaway Bay Rugby League has applied to hold the head lease for the precinct, proposing to bring junior and senior football together under a local rugby league organisation. We respect that position and share the Football Club’s objectives for its future.
With other competing submissions being considered, the Titans Community Club also submitted a proposal to hold the head lease, with Runaway Bay Rugby League as the football subtenant.
Other applicants may bring different priorities to the precinct. For the Titans Community Club and Runaway Bay’s junior and senior football clubs, rugby league is at the core of everything we do. Our intention was to give those shared objectives an additional opportunity to succeed and help ensure the precinct remains in rugby league hands.
Together, we want more girls and boys, women and men to have the opportunity to participate and play, with welcoming facilities, strong pathways and the support they need to enjoy the game, from their first season through to senior football.
The two proposals have different lease structures, but the same purpose and commitments: a strong future for Runaway Bay Rugby League, a sustainable Leagues Club and greater benefits for the community.
If the Titans Community Club is successful, the only change for the Football Club would be less administrative burden associated with holding and managing the head lease. All our commitments to the Football Club would be documented and preserved in the long term lease agreement.
If the Football Club is successful, those same commitments would be documented and preserved in the lease agreement, with the Titans Community Club operating the licensed venue as its subtenant.
Either way, the Football Club and community receive the same agreed benefits: greater investment in rugby league, better facilities for children and families, easier access between the fields and clubhouse, and better opportunities for members and local supporters to watch their teams play.
These are long term commitments, backed by the lease arrangements. Whichever of our two submissions succeeds, the community benefits.
If our proposal is successful, our priorities would be:
Keeping the club welcoming and open. Our intention is for the Leagues Club to continue operating, with any transition carefully managed to minimise disruption for members, patrons, guests, staff, football families and community groups. We want existing members and patrons to continue feeling at home in their club.
Respecting its identity and history. We propose naming the venue the Runaway Bay Rugby League Community Club, preserving its local connection.
Respecting the Runaway Bay RSL Sub Branch. We recognise the Sub Branch’s important place in the club and the wider community, and the contribution of its members and the service men and women it represents. We would work directly with the Runaway Bay RSL Sub Branch, with the intention of maintaining its existing community agreement and ensuring it continues to feel welcome and valued.
Working together through any change. We would work respectfully with the current Board and operator to make any handover as smooth as possible and keep members, patrons, football families, volunteers and community groups informed.
Building a strong and sustainable club. A financially healthy Leagues Club can provide reliable, ongoing investment in local rugby league, support local jobs and activities, and remain an enjoyable venue for its members and patrons.
Investing in players and strengthening pathways. Our commitments include greater investment in rugby league, better family friendly facilities, improved access between the fields and clubhouse, and better viewing of football. We want more girls and boys, women and men to participate and play, with clearer, connected pathways for our region’s young players from junior football through to senior and representative opportunities. Access to high performance coaches, alongside support and involvement from Titans players, would help develop local talent and support the coaches and volunteers who guide them.
Supporting local community groups. We want the precinct to remain a welcoming place for local organisations, community activities and the people who rely on these connections.
The people who have built and supported Runaway Bay Rugby League and the Leagues Club know their community best. Our role would be to listen, work alongside them and deliver on our commitments.
Whatever Council decides, we remain committed to a constructive relationship with Runaway Bay Rugby League. We want a thriving football club, a welcoming and sustainable Leagues Club, and a precinct where members, patrons, the Runaway Bay RSL Sub Branch and local community groups continue to belong for generations to come.
Out of respect for Council’s assessment process and everyone participating, the Titans Community Club will not make further comment on the submissions until the outcome has been announced.
