Barwon Heads Bowling Club Pavilion has unveiled its redeveloped pavilion.
The new pavilion features a new social area, kitchen, bar, office, storage space, bathroom amenities and an outdoor undercover verandah for spectators.
Barwon Heads Bowls Club president Lawrie Stendt shared his excitement about the opening.
“It brings more dignity to the club, rather than the little shed we had out the back,” he told Club Management. “It’s a much a better facility.”
Stendt explained the upgrade has been a long time coming, pointing out that initial plans began in 2019.
“It took a heck of a long time to get started,” he said.
The upgrade was made possible following a $500,000 contribution from the federal government that was matched by an equal funding commitment from the City of Greater Geelong, as well as $200,000 from the Victorian government.
Corangamite federal member Libby Coker said the club holds more than five decades of lawn bowls history.
“So many trophies have been celebrated here, and so many friendships formed, and with the federal government’s contribution of $500,000 towards a new pavilion, this club will be an important part of our region’s sporting fabric for many years to come,” she said.
“It signals a renewal of the club and sends a clear message – sports clubs are the lifeblood of our region, and our communities deserve modern facilities.”
Stendt is hopeful the pavilion will be used by the community as a function space, noting that it’s already been used by Barwon Water to exhibit its sewerage plans for the local area.
“The pavilion means a lot of for Barwon Heads because now it gives them this nice hall with all the facilities to hire out any time people want to celebrate things like a wedding anniversary,” he said.
Barwon Heads Bowling Club is now looking to upgrade its 18-year-old bowling greens, with hopes to secure additional government grants for it.