Bowls Disaster Relief Fund money allocated to bushfire-affected clubs

by Lachlan Williams on May 13, 2020

After an outpouring of generosity from the bowls community, Bowls Australia (BA) has been able to allocate some funds from its Bowls Disaster Relief Fund (BDRF) to help several clubs impacted by last summer’s bushfires.

Individuals, clubs and organisations from around Australia and the world dug deep into their pockets throughout January and February to help fellow bowlers who had been affected by the devastating blazes.

Impacted clubs that will receive financial assistance via the BDRF are:

  • Adelong Services and Bowling Club (NSW)
  • Corryong Bowls Club (VIC)
  • Lake Conjola Bowling and Recreation Club (NSW)
  • Mallacoota Inlet Bowling Club (NSW)
  • Parndana Bowling Club (SA)
  • Tomakin Sports & Social Club (NSW)

Allocations have been made to support these clubs on their road to recovery in whatever way the fires may have impacted their club.

Mallacoota Inlet Bowling Club president Allan Dobbin said the generosity from people around Australia had been ‘overwhelming’.

“We have had donations from everywhere,” he said.

“So many people we don’t know and have never met have just been so generous. It gives you some real faith in the people we have in this country.”

Mr Dobbin said funds from the BDRF as well as from other donations will help the club put up a new fence, new blinds, help repair damaged greens among other upgrades.

Picture: Fires caused damage to Mallacoota Inlet Bowling Club’s green, fences and surrounding trees.
A variety of different methods were used to fundraise for the BDRF, from raffles and auctions, to exhibition bowls matches and even a BPL team getting involved.
Melbourne Pulse raised funds from its players and franchise owner Dandenong Club for every toucher the team had at BPL12 at Moama, eventually raising close to $4500.

BA Chief Executive Officer Neil Dalrymple said it was heart-warming to see how the bowls community came together to support each other.

“It was tremendous to see the level of support from people across Australia and the world to help those who had been affected by the fires,” he said.

“The Bowls Disaster Relief Fund is a great way for Bowls Australia and the bowls community to play a small part in helping clubs on the road to recovery.”