Club Lennox Sport’s bowling greens poisoned in vile attack

Police are investigating after “poison” filled water balloons were thrown onto a bowling club’s greens on the North Coast while patrons – including children, were nearby. Here’s what we know.

Police are investigating after “poison” filled water balloons were thrown onto a bowling club’s greens at Lennox Head while patrons – including children, were nearby.

Several malicious damage incidents were reported at Club Lennox Sports in November and December, 2024.

The venue’s manager Warrick Edwards told this publication testing came back today confirming the chemical was a garden variety herbicide.

Police are investigating the attack. Picture: Google

“It’s totally killed the grass on top. In some regards it could be worse, it should not affect the soil too much. We will eventually be able to patch it up.”

There is CCTV footage showing the house where the chemical filled water bottles and water balloons with holes poked in them are coming from however no charges have been made yet.

Damage to the bowling greens. Picture: Elfco Greenkeeping / Facebook

Mr Edwards believes the person responsible is a disgruntled neighbour who has previously complained about the venue’s noise.

“We’ve copped – even last night – abusive phone calls. We’ve got a pretty unhinged neighbour. Police have not really got anything solid to go on at the moment,” he said.

Some of the bowling greens areas will need to shut down for months to be repaired – leaving the locals without spaces.

“It’s very disappointing for the community, especially for the families that use the area and the bowlers. Their social time has been taken away from them,” he said.

Damage to the bowling greens. Picture: Elfco Greenkeeping / Facebook. Picture: Elfco Greenkeeping / Facebook

“It’s pretty upsetting one person can do so much damage financially and emotionally to a massive group of people.

Mr Edwards confirmed they can still host bowls state championships in March after the repairs.

Turf specialist Duncan Elphic posted a video of the damages to Facebook on Monday where he claimed the “deliberate attack” occurred while patrons, including children, were at the venue.

Turf specialist Duncan Elphic. Picture: Duncan Elphic

“These damaged areas have obviously been poisoned and objects have been thrown from behind the fence line,” he said.

“They have killed our turf … it’s pretty childish stupid behaviour.” Locals expressed their outrage on Facebook stating the attack was “bloody heartbreaking”.

Damage to the bowling greens. Picture: Elfco Greenkeeping / Facebook. Picture: Elfco Greenkeeping / Facebook

“Sorry to see the damage Duncan. In my 45 years of greenkeeping, I can’t recall ever seeing vandalism to such an extent. Good luck with the repair mate,” a man wrote.

“What thrill do people get out of spoiling your enjoyment? A couple of hours at the bowls will be many old folks’ highlight of the week,” another man responded.

“Bloody heartbreaking. Hopefully, they catch the culprit,” another wrote.

Richmond Police District are investigating the incidents and are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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