Two families form partnership to save the failing North Toowoomba Bowls club

Coming out of the Covid pandemic, the bowls club was losing money and facing ruin, but two mates and the wives saw a business opportunity that would keep the club alive and give service clubs a place to help the community.

Celebrating Northies Toowoomba taking over the North Toowoomba Bowls Club are Dave Gillian, Tony Cameron, Chris Head, Mylie Cameron, Lester Eiser, Mike Gowdie and Greg Tucker.

Coming out of the Covid pandemic, the North Toowoomba Bowls Club was facing financial ruin.

Low membership and high prices had driven the club into the red, but rather than see it fold, two mates came to the rescue.

The Commanding Officer at the School of Army Aviation in Oakey Tony Cameron and his wife Julie formed a partnership with Chris and Cheryl Head to purchase the sprawling sports ground.

They breathed new life into the venue by removing the pokie machines and reaching out community groups who have booked the venue’s room for their social and therapeutic activities.

Mr Cameron said he was delighted to see so many community groups get behind the project, most of which are geared to veteran services.

“We have the Harlaxton and Toowoomba RSL sub branches holding events here along with Mates for Mates, Invictus are doing yoga, there is a church group that meets here,” he said.

“The venue will be used for lawn bowls and we will also reach out barefoot bowls events on the weekends, along with various functions,

“We also have plans to get the kitchen up and running.”

“We think that by not having the pokies it meets our vision of a community club and we can used that space as a cafe.

“We think we will make more through selling food and drinks.”

The new partnership will be trading under the name Northies Toowoomba but the North Toowoomba Bowls Club remain at heart of the venue, with its members taking care of the greens.

“There is no change to the club, it has an office at the venue and can still play bowls, run events and competitions,” Mr Cameron said.

Originally published as Two families form partnership to save the failing North Toowoomba Bowls club