News Update

Club News Members Update

Dear Bowls Club Members,
I hope you are all fit and well and keen to get back into Bowls.
It’s difficult to predict what changes in Covid restrictions will be ahead, but it looks positive that we may be able to get back to practice sessions in the near future.
Bowls Vic and Eastern Ranges Bowls Association have been sending tentative dates for competitions ( eg Over 60’s Singles and Pairs ) but nothing set in concrete due to further changes in Covid restrictions.
Much work has been undertaken at the Club during the Off -season and we are indebted to many Club Members for donating their expertise, enthusiasm and hard work to bring the Club facilities up to a suitable standard.
Our Kitchen has been renovated and refitted – re-stumping, reflooring, new kitchen cupboards and appliances.
The Lounge area was initially re-stumped with Shire assistance which lead to the Club replacing Bearers and Joists and new flooring and floor coverings at our expense.
The Greens have been continually maintained over this time by our Greenskeeper Shane Smith. We thank him for his hours of time and effort in keeping our facility ready to go at the easing of restrictions.
The Club is still working with the Shire on upgrading our toilet facility. The Shire have allocated $60,000 this financial year for the project which they hope to undertake March /April 2021.
We are also talking with Shire on the synthetic green replacement and lights. The synthetic green is listed by Shire to be replaced in 2024/2025. This is not acceptable as the timespan on the Synthetic is limited. We need to get that date moved forward.
Our Treasurer Bill Grund has been doing an enormous amount of work canvassing Politicians, Councillors and Shire executives pushing the case for new toilets, new synthetic and lighting. Bill presented the Clubs case to Yarra Ranges Councillors at their last Shire Meeting and was given a very positive response. His efforts have raised our profile with Yarra Ranges Shire and highlighted our Club’s needs to Shire officers.

Taking into account our new outdoor decking, the Club has spent over $60,000 of its own Club savings. The $20,000 Community Grant from the Federal Government was a great boost to get the kitchen upgraded. This was a dollar for dollar Grant.
Fundraising will need to continue as a high priority this season.We have received a $1500 Covid Support from Federal Government over the lockdown period to help with loss of Income.
We have recently applied for 3 Grants – Outdoor Shade coverings, Kitchen appliances and Outdoor Lighting. We wait for a response to these separate applications.
Hope this bit of information lets you know what is going on at the Club during this Covid Lockdown period.

Regards
Peter Leonard
Secretary

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