By ANNA USHER

Mosman Rowers is back in administration – eight years after the community dug deep to save it from closure in 2018.

The iconic local club, positioned on the water at Mosman Bay, will continue trading while a rescue plan is negotiated.

An ASIC notice published on October 28 names EY-Parthenon partners David Kennedy and Morgan Kelly as administrators.

“Our immediate priority is to undertake an urgent assessment of the club’s financial position and operations,” Mr Kennedy said in a statement to Mosman Collective.

“The Rowers is an iconic venue with over 100 years of history. We will engage closely with members, employees, creditors and other stakeholders to seek proposals for the recapitalisation or restructuring of the club and assess all available options for its future.”

Mr Kennedy said the club “remains open and continues to trade as usual”, and he urged locals to keep coming through the doors.

“Members and the wider community can support the club during this period by continuing to visit, attend events and enjoy its hospitality offerings,” he said.

Former operator says it is the largest creditor

Bird & Bear Group, which ran the club’s food and drink, said it no longer operates at the Rowers after its management agreement ceased in August 2025, a termination it says it “successfully disputed”.

“Mosman Rowers has been placed in administration because it failed to pay its debts as and when they fall due,” Bird & Bear’s Adam Marshall told Mosman Collective in a statement.

“There are outstanding financial matters between Bird & Bear and the Club, which we are unable to comment on publicly. We believe we are the largest creditor and as a result, will have a leading role in deciding Mosman Rowers’ future and whether the claims against its directors will be pursued.

“We remain deeply committed to the future of Mosman Rowers, its 110-year heritage and its importance to the local community. We sincerely hope the administration process provides an opportunity to secure the Club’s long-term future.”

Mr Marshall said questions concerning staffing arrangements and function deposits should be directed to the administrators.

Creditors will meet online at 11am on Friday 6 November, with proofs of debt and proxies due to the administrators by 4pm on Thursday 5 November, the ASIC notice states.

The club’s last accounts posted on its website, for the year to 31 March 2024, reported a profit of $106,083 and net assets of $1,749,991.

The Rowers was last saved in 2018, after administrators were appointed on 7 May with debts of about $500,000, and members raised more than $150,000 before the club reopened on 15 March 2019.

GOT A BOOKING, VOUCHER OR MEMBERSHIP AT THE ROWERS? Tell us what you have been told. Email Anna at [email protected]

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