’Perseverance paid off’ in bid to bring bowls to Hydeaway
The new green is the first of its kind in the area and will be more than just a sporting facility.
Whitsunday
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HYDEAWAY Bay is looking a little greener after years of lobbying for a place to bowl.
A new bowling green at Hydeaway Bay Sports and Recreation club was unveiled at the weekend.
The two-lane synthetic bowling green is the first of its kind in the area and features a roof and lighting to shield players from the sun.
The upgrade also includes a deck and awning that is adorned with a plaque in honour of the efforts of Gloucester Sport and Recreation Association president Warren Hardy.
Mr Hardy said the new facility was a “great milestone for the club”.
“(It took) years of work and failed submissions but perseverance paid off,” he said.
Speaking when the funding was announced, Mr Hardy hoped the facility would help bring the whole community together while attracting grey nomads looking for a game.
“It’s a connectedness thing- the bowls isn’t just for bowls, it’s for people to connect with their neighbours,” he said.
Mr Hardy approached Mr Christensen for funding in 2018 and after months of lobbying, received $194,000 under the Federal Government’s Community Development Grants program.
The association also raised more than $50,000 in cash and in-kind support for the project.
Dawson MP George Christensen said the opening marked an exciting day for residents across Hydeaway Bay and the Gloucester area.
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“The new bowls club will be a hub for the 600 residents in the area, many of whom are seniors, who can now come here to socialise and enjoy some friendly competition,” he said.
“Make no mistake, this wouldn’t have happened without the hard work from Warren Hardy and the other committee members of Gloucester Sports and Recreation Association.
“This is evidence of how a small community can come together and make something big happen that’ll have a huge impact on the area and pay dividends long future.”
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