Celebrating a funding windfall to light up Uralla Bowling and Recreation Club’s two bowling greens, members Pauline Ward, Lindsay Ward, Col Dade, Bob Crouch, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, President Allan Rummery, Secretary Manager Helen Avery, Debra Van den Hoogen, April Fulton and Phyllis Dade.
Monday, 13 December 2021
URALLA Bowling and Recreation Club will roll into 2022 with its sight set on increasing its membership and hours of play on its two grass greens, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $272,928 State Government-funded lighting upgrade.
The significant funding windfall has been made possible by Round 4 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Mr Marshall said lighting the lawn bowling greens would give Uralla residents access to another quality after-hours sport.
“With such busy schedules we all know how hard it can be to juggle work, life and still find the time for sport and recreation,” Mr Marshall said.
“In order to give flexibility to the time when lawn bowls competition can be played Uralla Bowlo will install eight light poles with LED lights around its two greens.
“It’s anticipated the addition of lighting will encourage more people to participate in lawn bowls.
“In particular the club is targeting working women and women that want to play sport but are no longer physically able to participate in more robust activities.
“By having the ability to run evening competitions the club will be able to attract more players outside normal working hours and on weekends.
“Right across the region sport and recreation clubs are thinking outside the box and coming up with innovative ways to improve their facilities and get new people through their doors.
“The lighting will also open up opportunity for charity and fundraising bowling events after hours and well into the evening.
“I congratulate Uralla Bowlo on securing this funding and look forward to seeing twilight bowls becoming a regular fixture on the club’s calendar.”
Uralla Bowling and Recreation Club President Allan Rummery said lighting over the greens could triple the club’s female and male playing membership.
“This project is about ensuring our club is financially viable for the future,” Mr Rummery said.
“Clubs must move forward or they will fade away. Uralla Bowling and Recreation Club is going from strength to strength and the boost given by the installation of lights by this project will help us attract and keep members.
“It will be particularly significant for the women’s bowling club who have not been able to attract younger members, who, due to family commitments, cannot participate at weekends and can only get away after work.
“There are about 50 active bowlers in the Uralla community and I don’t think it is inconceivable that through this project we could double or even triple this number of participants.
“We also hope these improvements may make Uralla Bowling Club a more attractive venue for regional and zone competitions which will bring valuable economic stimulus to our town
“I want to sincerely thank Adam and the State Government for their involvement with this project and we look forward to switching the lights on hopefully by August next year.”