With people power and a closer look at the books, Robertson Bowling Club has all but bounced back from financial ruin.

On March 12, the News revealed the club’s debts of more than $250,000 had sparked talks of voluntary liquidation.

But while the club’s fate will still have to be decided when the members vote on March 28, the argument for keeping it open has strengthened tenfold.

The club’s directors announced the good news to members on Friday night.

President Bill Brenning told members there was now “a light at the end of the tunnel”.

“We are still not out of the woods yet, but hopes are certainly high,” Mr Brenning said.

“The vote must still go ahead, but we will be letting members know that with a bit of refinancing we have a real chance at turning things around.”

Mr Brenning said the community had played an integral role.

“We have approached, and have even been approached by various banks offering to look at how they can help us refinance, and I think that has had a lot to do with pressure from the community,” Mr Brenning said.

“It also appears that maybe our financial situation isn’t as bad as first thought.”

Club director Warrick Mitchell said the community support had been overwhelming.

“They really have rallied around the club. The turn-out at last week’s wine and cheese event was astounding,” Mr Mitchell said.

“We are on the road to recovery, and once the club is back on top of things we will have to look at ways of paying that back to the community and supporting them the way we have done in the past.”

Mr Mitchell said if the vote does go towards keeping the club open there are a number of things they will consider to revamp its image in the community.

“We may seriously consider even renaming the club with the word ‘community’ in the title because it is not just a bowling club, it is here for everyone and is used by everyone,” Mr Mitchell said.