community services · Bega Valley Shire Council
Twyford Hall takeover leaves $333,000 debt and $250,000 annual bill for Bega Valley Council
Council will end the Merimbula venue’s management deed, refuse a $37,000 refund and take responsibility for future bookings and programming.
Bega Valley Shire Council will take direct control of Merimbula’s Twyford Hall Complex while an outstanding $333,000 debt remains unresolved and the venue’s ongoing operating cost is estimated at $250,000 a year.
Councillors selected Operating Model 2 and authorised the termination of the Twyford Hall Complex Management Deed by no later than 7 October 2026. After the deed ends, bookings and event programming will be made directly with Council while transition arrangements are finalised.
Council refused a request from the Twyford Hall Complex Ltd board to refund a $37,000 loan payment made in July 2026.
It also noted that $333,000 remains owing under the 2021 Deed of Agreement and a subsequent deed variation. Council must consider its legal position during the transition, including options to recover or write off the debt.
The estimated $250,000 annual operating cost will come from Council’s general fund. A Quarterly Budget Review Adjustment is to be prepared to reflect the cost in the Council budget. Actual Twyford Hall costs will be monitored and reported annually in the annual report for the next three years.
Council will place the current Twyford Venue Hire Pricing 2026 fees and charges on public exhibition for 28 days. If there are no submissions, the fees will apply to bookings made directly with Council at Twyford Hall during the 2026/27 financial year. Council officers will determine price-on-application amounts using historical booking information.
The resolution passed with seven councillors in favour and none against. Cr Helen O’Neil left because of a declared significant conflict linked to her directorship of the Twyford Hall Complex. Cr Clair Mudaliar declared a less-than-significant conflict and remained to vote.
Reference minutes
Bega Valley Shire Council, Council meeting of 19 August 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- The Twyford Hall Complex Management Deed is to be terminated by no later than 7 October 2026.
- Council selected Operating Model 2 for the venue’s future operation.
- The Council refused a request to refund a $37,000 loan payment made in July 2026.
- An outstanding $333,000 debt under the 2021 deed and subsequent deed variation remains unresolved.
- Ongoing operating costs are estimated at $250,000 a year from the Council’s general fund.
- The Twyford Venue Hire Pricing 2026 fees and charges will be exhibited for 28 days.
- The resolution passed seven votes to nil, with Cr Helen O’Neil absent from the vote because of a declared conflict.
Why it matters
- The transition gives Bega Valley Council direct responsibility for a major Merimbula cultural venue while its general fund carries an estimated $250,000 annual operating cost and an unresolved $333,000 debt.