The bowls community in Western Victoria now have modern facilities, thanks to funding from the Victorian Government.
Labor Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney today formally opened the upgraded facilities at Macarthur Bowls Club and the redeveloped Port Fairy Bowls Club, made possible thanks to a $2 million grant from the Victorian Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund for Port Fairy, and $300,000 from the government’s Community Support Fund for Macarthur.
The Macarthur Bowls Club is an important part of the community, offering participation and social opportunities including social bowls, twilight bowls and school programs, but its ageing facilities were holding it back.
Upgrades at the club included new toilets, new storage and administration spaces, an accessible change room and medical room and the addition of a veranda to provide outdoor shelter. The project is already reaping dividends for the club, enabling it to secure hosting rights for several regional competitions including the Far Western Division Championships.
The project at Port Fairy Bowls Club involved major works to the pavilion including accessible male and female change places, six mats for indoor bowls, installing a solar power system and connecting the pavilion to natural gas, enhancing the area for social functions and community events, new appliances and sealing the carpark.
The project has delivered a modern, accessible and sustainable pavilion to the 132 year old club, so it can continue to host local, regional and championship bowling events, and host more social and community events.
The Victorian Government’s investment in these projects is part of more than $1.1 billion we’ve kicked in to community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014. It’s part of our strong commitment to sport and active recreation, gender equality and encouraging all Victorians to get out there and get active.
Ms Tierney acknowledged Moyne Shire Council for its contribution and support in delivering the two projects.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Sport and active recreation play a vital role in bringing together communities like Port Fairy and Macarthur, and these two projects deliver improved sporting, community and social facilities to both towns.”
“Congratulations to both clubs for all your hard work making this happen – these upgraded facilities ensure that they can continue to grow and support the growing number of people keen to get involved in lawn bowls.”
Quote attributable to Moyne Shire Mayor Ian Smith
“We’re very grateful for the Victorian Government’s funding support making these projects possible, and the bowlers in our Shire are equally delighted at the wonderful new facilities.”
Quote attributable to Port Fairy Bowls Club President Jack Smits
“The members are absolutely rapt at the redeveloped pavilion, and with these facilities we’ll be able to extend our activities, attract more players and provide facilities for the whole community to enjoy.
