Carrington goes solar thanks to a unique partnership
Located within the Port of Newcastle, Carrington Cove Bowling and Sports Club has had its fair share of struggles over the years but they continually find ways to survive and prosper.
To raise money and connect with the community, they have introduced a number of initiatives including:
- The creation of a tasteful nude men’s bowling calendar
- Becoming dog-friendly
- Serving great coffee
- Opening a new bistro
- Receiving of several grants
- Hosted comedy and trivia events
- Regular entertainment
- Delved into growing their own hops onsite for a local craft brewery, which has been well received by all
Late in 2018, the community raised over $30,000 for a new 50-kilowatt solar system which club manager Jaci Lappin lauded as securing the club’s energy future.
With the solar panels now installed it is estimated the clubs energy bill will be cut by about 40 per cent.
The donations were made possible via a partnership with Climate Action Newcastle, who organised a crowdfunding campaign which initially aimed to raise $24,000.
The community responded thanks to the great promotion and media attention garnered, with an additional grant of $10,990 from the Community Building Partnership program also secured.
This club recognised 10 years ago that it could not survive just catering to bowlers.
While the bowls membership stands at 49, the club social membership has risen from 212 to 1665.
Keeping the doors open, getting the community into the club and generating income provides more opportunities for the bowling membership to begin looking at ways to strengthen the sport in the club.
Contribution by Mark Whiteman – Regional Bowls Manager (Newcastle/Hunter/Central Coast)
