Premier Will Hodgman, President of the Howrah Bowls Club Management Committee, Dennis Lourey and Mayor of Clarence, Alderman Doug Chipman
The Howrah Community Bowls Centre, within the Howrah Bowls Club, will attract state and national competitions, and be a venue for the community to enjoy a social game of bowls all year round.
Clarence City Council invested just under $932,000 to the facility, along with the Howrah Bowls Club contribution of $510,000, and the State Government contribution of $80,000, through a grant from the Department of Premier and Cabinet Sport and Recreation Division.
Mayor of Clarence, Alderman Doug Chipman said he was pleased to see another major sporting facility built in the City.
“The Howrah Community Bowls Centre is another high calibre sport and recreational facility in our City for our community and visitors to enjoy,” Mayor Chipman said.
“We are excited about the opportunities this facility will present in regard to hosting state and national bowling competitions and it will also be an important facility for members and the community more broadly.
“This facility is another step towards Council fulfilling its commitment to provide essential infrastructure to support, sustain and enhance community and social wellbeing. We congratulate the Howrah Bowls Club for passionately advocating for this facility and for the contribution the state government has made.”
The new eight rink facility has been a long-term planning project for the Howrah Bowls Club.
“Seven years ago the then President, Ian Cumine, issued a challenge to members: ‘where do we want the club to be in seven years’. The outcome from that challenge was the construction of a world class indoor bowls centre,” said Dennis Lourey, President of the Howrah Bowls Club.
“A dedicated group of members contributed many hours in preparing grant submissions and drawings. The Club also committed to making a substantial financial contribution to the project.
“The Howrah Community Bowls Centre is a facility the City of Clarence community can be justifiably proud of. The state of the art centre will allow a variety of community groups, young and old, to participate in the sport of bowls all year round.”
Life member and Patroness, Bernice Archer said the new facility would cater for anyone interested in bowling.
“The new facility will attract casual bowlers who like to play a weekly game of barefoot bowls as well as the dedicated full time players,” Mrs Archer said.
“Added to this relatively new group, Howrah Bowls Club has been traditionally used by school groups, people with disability and organisations such as the RSL. The new indoor facility will be even more beneficial for these people.”
During the coming months the Club will add an office, storerooms, utility room and reception area.