THE Sandhurst Club committee has flagged its opposition to a proposal that women be allowed to join the club.
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An e-mail, leaked to The Advertiser, reveals the committee's firm stance on the motion that is yet to be formally debated at the club's annual meeting on Friday.
The e-mail, from Sandhurst Club secretary Ian Treyvaud was directed to
The Sandhurst Club members and indicated their belief the (proposed) change would disadvantage members and the club.
"...many disadvantages will be created for the members and serious ramifications exist for the sound, successful and harmonious functioning of the Club," the e-mail stated.
Also listed was a range of committee concerns.
"Scarce funding will need to be redirected to the facilities and activities compelled by a change.
"Clear losses of privileges will occur... and no net benefits have been identified to support the change," it stated.
Yesterday, both Mr Treyvaud and the club's president Stephen Iser refused to comment.
"It is a private club and a private matter," Mr Iser said.
Incoming president Jack Lazenby also said the issue was an internal club matter and refused to comment.
It was a sentiment echoed by those club members contacted yesterday by The Advertiser.
Of the 22 members contacted, 16 refused to comment and five did not return The Advertiser's calls.
However, City of Greater Bendigo chief executive officer and club member John McLean said "sound debate" on the issue was necessary.
"This is an important issue," he said.
Member for Bendigo East, Jacinta Allan described the club's stance as "absurd inequity".
"It is a 19th century notion that has no place in a modern vibrant Bendigo community in 2005," she said.
"I applaud the men in The Sandhurst Club who have recognised there is no basis to exclude women.
"It is time for Bendigo to do away with the archaic approach in this institution."
The Sandhurst Club opened in 1858, with its present View Street residence built in 1893.
It is an exclusive men's club and while women are allowed to attend the venue with their partners, they are not allowed to become members in their own right.
Men wanting to join must be nominated by an existing member and membership fees are believed to be between $700 and $800 a year.
The executive e-mail sent to members on Sunday stated that "ladies already have wide access to the club".
"Only minor, but important conventions apply... and have little
impact on (the ladies') ability to enjoy our fine private facilities," it stated.
Some of Bendigo's female community leaders yesterday applauded the proposed motion to change the club's rules.
O'Farrell Robertson McMahon partner Marika McMahon said it was disappointing the club had not realised the difference between women visiting as guests and women becoming club members in their own right.
"It is a lost opportunity... I would consider it a
great shame if (the motion) is not accepted," she said.
While calling for change, other women said they did not disagree with men having their own clubs.
Uncommon Solutions managing director Antoinette Danaher said she
accepted men's right to have their own club.
"But if you look around town, women are CEOs and have many important positions," she said.
"It (the change) would be a positive move."
Goldfields Local Learning and Employment Network executive officer
Elsie L'Huillier said the model was "archaic".
"I believe it is important to still allow places for men to meet and talk and women to meet and talk; (the club) could accommodate both.
"The time for having clubs that women cannot join has gone," she said.
The issue will be debated and voted upon at Friday's meeting.