General News
4 April, 2023
Members enjoy new look
SIMPSON Bowls Club members have celebrated the completion of the new clubhouse.
SIMPSON Bowls Club members have celebrated the completion of the new clubhouse.
The new-look facility replaced a building which was more than 60 years old and was no longer functional.
In recent years the club, which opened in 1981, and Corangamite Shire Council worked together to source funding for the project.
A new building now provides space for up to 70 residents of Simpson and the surrounding district to meet and forge social connections.
Funded through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program and the Simpson Bowling Club, it was built by council’s facilities team and local subcontractors.
Council’s facilities team helped the club source funds for the $500,000 project.
“We wanted to know where we stood as far as getting a grant,” Simpson Bowls Club president Terry Harris said.
When the Federal Government launched the LRCI scheme to stimulate the economy during COVID, council staff helped the bowls club secure a $300,000 grant.
“We got some plans drawn up and costings done. It had to be trimmed back because we would have been over budget,” Mr Harris said.
“The amazing part is the way visitors are saying how great it is.
“We’re very proud of it.”
About 60 people attended the official opening late last year.
Since then, Mr Harris said the six-week twilight bowls series over summer was a success, attracting younger bowlers who were the future of the club.
“The generosity of the people who participated has made it a really good fundraiser for our club,” he said.
“The club is always keen to welcome new members and show them how to bowl.”
People interested in finding out more about the club and learning to bowl can contact Jeff Welsh on 0425 755 963 or email nautilus4815welsh@gmail.com.