General News
30 October, 2024
Creditor who is owed $100k demands answers from adminstrator
The owner of Leichhardt Accommodation is not happy with how Isa Rodeo Ltd has handled its problems.
Glen Ashmore is owed more than $100,000 from Isa Rodeo Ltd after providing accommodation to rodeo staff and contractors earlier this year.
The Leichhardt Accommodation owner estimates he has also provided a further $100,000 in discounts to Isa Rodeo over the past five years, having reduced his nightly fees by 15 per cent as a special discount.
He said he provided about 80 rooms, which is about half of those available at his business, where Isa Rodeo Ltd staff, board members and contractors stayed for up to six weeks during the event season.
“Natalie (Flecker) came to me a few years ago and asked whether I would provide sponsorship,” he explained to North West Weekly.
“I suggested I set aside my rooms and provide a discount on my rooms available during the rodeo. Mount Isa has limited accommodation spaces, and the rodeo would not happen if there was not reliable accommodation for staff and talent to stay during the event.
“Other accommodation providers increase their nightly rates when the rodeo is on, but I discounted mine as a way to support the rodeo event.
“I have tried to support the event and always act in good faith, which made what has happened so disappointing.”
Mr Ashmore will be among those in the room when administrators SV Partners formally address Isa Rodeo Ltd creditors in Mount Isa on Thursday (October 31).
He said that he wanted assurances from administrators that every corner of the account books would be inspected to uncover what money is recoverable.
“I want to know what are the avenues that are going to be explored to recover the funds – were there preferential payments or commissions paid that could be returned?” he said.
“Could the state government intervene? Isa Rodeo was seeking a $500,000 bailout previously – could that be sought after again?
“We need to know what were the management decisions that caused this mess. I want everything to be explored to ensure we are paid.”
Mr Ashmore said the Mount Isa Rodeo could only continue if it was returned to being locally managed and produced.
However, he said that would require the support of the Mount Isa business community, many of which were now deeply distrustful following the actions of Isa Rodeo Ltd staff and board in recent weeks.
“The rodeo can only continue if the Mount Isa business owners who have supported the event in the past are able to trust those operating the event,” he said.
“And the first step towards restoring that trust will be to pay us for the work we have provided.”