Friday 25 January 2018

The Warragul Bowling Club is set to receive a new lease on life thanks to $150,000 funding from the Andrews Labor Government to replace the synthetic surface on one of the club’s two bowling greens.

Through the Latrobe Valley Authority, the Labor Government is contributing $150,000 to the $200,000 project, which will involve removing the existing sand-filled surface, excavating the base and installing a new base and underlay with a new BowlsWeave synthetic surface.

The $40 million Community Facility fund is part of the Andrews Labor Government $266 million Greater Latrobe Valley transition scheme.

The Warragul Club is the largest in Baw Baw Shire with 188 members, nearly 150 of which are playing members.

The funding will replace the second green at the Club, which is in very poor condition and currently limits the Club’s ability to run a full program of competition and social events.

The new BowlsWeave synthetic surface will enable members to easily maintain both greens and it will be possible to expand its program of social, pennant, and championship events at the Club.

For more information about the Community Facility Fund, go to www.lva.vic.gov.au or call the grants team on 1800 136 762.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing

“Bowls has seen a surge in younger men and women entering the sport, and it’s a fun and accessible way to participate in community life. This refurbishment will allow the Warragul Bowls Club to have more players of all ages taking part.”

“The Warragul Club is to be commended for its tenacity in looking at ways to fund the much-needed upgrade, and to creating even more pride of place in Gippsland.

Quote attributable to Latrobe Valley Authority Chief Executive Officer Karen Cain

“By providing this funding to bring the surface up to competition standard, we can ensure the 120- year-old club can continue to play an important role in the Warragul community for the 5,500 people who are involved in active social and competition bowling.”

Quotes attributable to President of the Warragul Bowling Club, Keith Wilkins

“The current surface is coming to the end of its life and is almost unplayable – it’s quite threadbare and water collects on the surface after rain which can make it very difficult to manage and limits the bowls programs we can run.”

“With two competition-standard greens, we hope to attract the return of the regional based pennant competition as well as large scale tournaments that will bring local visitors and more income into the Club.”