Funding windfall for the Warialda Golf & Bowling Club, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, Warialda Golf & Bowling Club Treasurer Julie Grob and Gwydir Shire Mayor John Coulton.
Monday, 5 October 2020
IT’S been described as a ‘hole-in-one’ for the future of Warialda Golf and Bowling Club, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $315,000 State Government grant to modernise the popular local sporting venue and function centre.
Mr Marshall said the project would see the club refurbished inside and out, providing a safe, family-friendly facility where locals could visit and socialise.
“During the drought, a lack of memberships and revenue saw a number of clubs, including Warialda Golf and Bowling Club, fall into the rough financially,” Mr Marshall said.
“To help the venue get back on the green, renovations will be undertaken to the existing amenities and improvements made to the commercial kitchen to allow it to better cater for functions and ensure food safety standards are met.
“Modifications will also allow for the creation of a new board room and additional storage space, while a new playground area for children will give younger patrons a safe place to enjoy themselves.
“Normally the club relies on volunteer labour to carry out maintenance of the golf course and bowling greens, however this grant will employee 13 local trades people including builders, electricians and painters to get the work done.
“This is a huge win for the club and the Warialda community.”
Gwydir Shire Mayor John Coulton said the facility had struggled financially for a number of years with a fall in membership numbers affecting its revenue.
“The drought resulted in a major decline in patronage to the club, as families who were struggling to make ends meet cut back on non-essential social and sporting activities,” Cr Coulton said.
“As such the club is currently looking a little tired, with the volunteer committee unable to commit adequate funds to maintain or upgrade certain areas which are in desperate need of attention.
“Of the projects funded through the State Government’s Drought Support Package, it’s this one which I think will have an instant and long-term, economic and social impact on our town.
“Not only will it provide employment for local tradies, but by keeping its doors open the Warialda community will have a quality venue capable of hosting events like birthday parties and wakes, while also providing an outlet for locals to come together and socialise.
“It’s my hope this significant upgrade will turn our club’s fortunes around, encouraging people to rejoin and golf and bowls tournaments that draws competitors to town.”