A small business owner has won the latest round in an ongoing dispute with Coogee Diggers Club, after claiming club management tried to push her out by cutting key services to her café.
Tina Plessas, owner of Cece Café/Restaurant, has been granted a three-month extension by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), allowing her to continue trading at the Coogee Diggers Club. She alleged the club had disabled her beer taps and electronic banking access in an effort to “forcibly evict” her.
“This is a small but meaningful win for my staff, customers, and me — at least until September,” Plessas said following the decision. “It gives us the breathing room we needed.”
The case will proceed to mediation in the coming month. Plessas is not alone — a long-standing childcare centre operating within the club is also engaged in legal proceedings against the club over alleged property damage tied to drainage issues in the historic 1930s building.
Only About Children (OAC), the childcare tenant, is reportedly being pursued for up to $3 million in damages by the club, which claims the centre’s use of the property contributed to structural problems, including concrete cancer. OAC has already paid a six-figure sum, but the club is continuing its legal action. The matter is due in the Supreme Court in August.
Meanwhile, deeper concerns have emerged regarding the club’s operations and leadership under CEO Peter Gallagher. Gallagher, who took over in 2019, has overseen a $6–$8 million transformation of the club into a more commercially driven venue. Critics, including RSL veterans, argue the changes have shifted the club away from its community and veteran-focused roots.
Allegations from former staff describe a strict, siloed workplace culture under Gallagher, with employees from different departments discouraged from communicating. Several former workers reported being monitored via CCTV and subjected to heavy-handed management. Some shared experiences of being dismissed or forced to resign under questionable circumstances.
One ex-staff member, “Ann,” said she was fired in 2023 despite following instructions from Gallagher regarding staff hiring. Another, Rita, successfully pursued an unfair dismissal claim after being made redundant during the pandemic, later receiving a formal apology.
Further testimonies from former staff at the fitness and swim centres detailed feelings of neglect, anxiety, and a lack of support. Complaints were allegedly ignored by management.
Despite the criticism, Coogee Diggers management has avoided addressing specific allegations. In a statement, the club’s lawyers said: “Our focus remains on serving our members and continuing to invest in the long-term future of the club. We will not be drawn into a media campaign that seeks to undermine this commitment or discredit the club’s leadership.”
