That’s how we roll … unbelieve-a-bowl new Belvedere Bowls Club opens

Published on 22 November 2021

Belvedere Bowls Club members are all smiles following the opening of their new $1.6 million extended clubhouse.

Outgoing Mayor Kris Bolam and new Mayor Nathan Conroy joined with dignitaries including the Member for Dunkley, Peta Murphy, Bowls Australia Regional Manager Warren Griffin and club officials to launch the new clubhouse. The Senator for Victoria, the Hon Jane Hume MP, was called to urgent meetings and unable to attend, passing on her best wishes to the club.

Cr Bolam said: “We have all waited a long time to celebrate this fantastic redevelopment. I believe the Club was preparing to host ‘Christmas in August’ here when the last lockdown came into force!

“But when I look at these amenities, including a larger function room, new servery and refurbished kitchen, I know that you will be hosting enjoyable social events for many years to come.

“Similarly, the new entry foyer, committee room, storeroom and office should make it a pleasure to prepare for games and tournaments. And of course being able to use accessible toilets and indoor facilities is obviously a step up from having to use portable ones,” Cr Bolam said.

Cr Bolam added that the Belvedere Bowls Club is now a better fit for the membership that grew from the merger of the Frankston RSL and Seaford Bowls Clubs in 2016.

Cr Bolam said the new extended clubhouse is also a better fit with Council’s plans to provide first-class facilities that support health and wellbeing, adding: “The scope of our plans would not be possible without the support of others and I thank the Federal Government for funding of $250,000 and the club for its contribution of $70,000 over three years.”

Senator Hume said: “The new and improved Belvedere Bowls Club offers modern and accessible facilities and opportunity to once again participate in a much-loved sport, and goes a long way toward reinvigorating and reconnecting local communities and recovering from the social impacts of COVID-19.

“The Morrison Government is pleased to have provided funding enabling members to once again take to the green, with a new clubhouse to be proud of,” Senator Hume said.

Ms Murphy said: “Belvedere Bowls Club is a terrific local club. The upgraded clubrooms will ensure that they can continue to grow and reach more people in the community.

“Congratulations to Belvedere Bowls Club for all your hard work making this happen – I’m proud to have supported your work,” Ms Murphy said.

Club President Mal Richardson said members are excitedly looking forward to the future including increased participation thanks to the new clubhouse.

“Everyone is happy – we see this as a community hub. The new clubhouse marks the finalisation of the merger of the Frankston RSL and Seaford Bowls Clubs,” Mr Richardson said.

Cr Bolam said: “Developing such venues and spaces has been on Council’s agenda for some years and it has never seemed more important than now.

“Staying active and maintaining friendships has been difficult for some communities during COVID-19 and the risk of isolation has been high.

“In the spirit of valuing friendships and healthy pursuits, I’m sure Belvedere Bowls Club don’t need any encouragement to get back onto the greens and to make full use of this comfortable and welcoming clubhouse,” Cr Bolam said.

Belvedere Bowls Club is at 148 East Rd, Seaford. For more information, please visit the club’s Facebook page or phone 9776 8289.