State champs event helps club rise from the ashes

by Lachlan Williams on February 1, 2021

After a year to forget in 2020 for a host of reasons, two clubs along the NSW south coast will have their hands full for better reasons this week.

Having faced bushfires in early 2020 followed by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Club Malua and Tomakin Sports & Social Club will host Women’s Bowls NSW’s State Championships from Tuesday.

The top female bowlers from across the state will descend on the region as it continues to recover from the challenges presented last year.

Club Malua was one of the hardest hit from last year’s fires, with their clubrooms destroyed in the blaze.

Club Malua bowls coordinator David Thomas said hosting an event like this is a positive step forward from the struggles of last year.

“I think everyone is looking forward to it, not just at the club but as a town as a whole,” he said.

“Hopefully it can inject some funds into local businesses and put some smiles on people’s faces.”

Arriving at Club Malua just six months ago, Thomas said the positive spirit of the club’s members has been infectious.

“I’ve been involved in bowls for a long time, and this is one of, if not the strongest clubs I’ve been in,” he said.

“Nothing is ever a problem for volunteers, there are always groups of people putting up their hand wanting to help, which is amazing.”

Despite still operating out of a marquee, Thomas said he expects the visiting bowlers to enjoy their time at the club and the region.

“We’ve got new shades after the old ones were burnt in the fires and the greens are looking fantastic, so we are excited for a great week of bowls,” he said.

Tomakin was one of several clubs to receive financial assistance from Bowls Australia’s Bowls Disaster Relief Fund.

The championships commence on Tuesday, February 2. Click here for more details about the event.