Fears mounting for the region’s bowling future

Wollongong bowling clubs that can’t keep up with the times could face extinction, a Bowling NSW representative has said.

Earlier this month a talk was held for local lawn bowling club representatives.

The topic of discussion was finding a way for bowls to survive in a changing world while maintaining the pastime’s relevance and popularity.

Sports Development Manager for Bowls NSW Michael Beaumont ran the presentation.

He said bowling clubs in Wollongong and its northern suburbs have to tap into the community of today if they want to have a strong future in the area.

“The 1950s and 60s were very kind to (the Wollongong) area (in terms of bowls),” Mr Beaumont said.

“There was massive growth…then in the 90s and in the last 15 to 20 years most of the employment has moved to Sydney.

“(Residents) would tend then to come home on the weekends and their priority is maybe not to play bowls. “Clubs have to get themselves to a point where they can provide what their local community requires.

“It might be changing the whole face of bowls.”

Last year Austinmer Bowling Club was forced to close its doors due to lack of business.

The Club’s President Dick Salm said the changing demographic of the area and too much competition nearby had contributed to the club’s demise.

Bulli Bowling Club was one of those that sent a representative to the presentation earlier this month, but club President Bernie Harding said his club is performing excellently.

He said the “casualisation” of bowling (allowing people to wear normal clothes, barefoot bowls, and mixed competitions) is helping to get people involved.

He said his club has tried to make bowling inclusive instead of exclusive, with very encouraging results.