The grass is definitely greener at Corinella Bowls Club!

By Celeste Brittain 

THE Corinella Bowling Club has shown that it is a vital gathering place after undergoing a huge $25,000 upgrade supported by the local Bendigo Bank.  

The club which was established in 1973, has adapted over the years to meet community needs.

The club offers a social evening on Friday nights during daylight savings, a monthly trivia night, has meals and bowls and a bar. 

“The club has vibrant social aspects where everyone can be involved,” grant officer, Barbara Oates shared.

“Over the journey, a bowls club perhaps is seen as an older person’s venue. In recent times the club has serviced the need for the community to have a place to connect, whether through sports or just socially connecting through friendship is important with a lot of new residents moving to the area.”

The COVID-19 pandemic saw the club experiencing a quiet time with limited sports and social activities.  This had an effect on older members of the club who were social isolated.

As the club was able to compete again, the venue became, as Barbara shared, “a local safe haven.”

The club has had the bowling surface, replaced thanks to a grant received from Bendigo Bank.

Other refurbishments include a sound system upgrade, new outdoor area, replaced concrete apron around the green, new fence, shelters, garden and outdoor tables.

These refurbishments first began three years ago with help from many volunteers of the area, and cultivated in the club officially opening the new, certified green on November 26, 2022.

In the coming months through further Bass Coast Community Grants, local artist Laurie Faulkner will complete a mural on the club’s Balcombe Street fence which will reflect local history and bowling references. 

Funding has also been received to upgrade the seat in the shelters.

Next year will also mark 50 years of the club.

Those who wish to join can visit the club during opening hours or email corinellabowls@gmail.com. 

Membership at the club is open to all ages and includes three types- affiliated, social and intermediate, with the varying memberships catering to different types of club engagement.