The Bowlo is turning 70 and you're invited to the party
By Jamie Madden, a director of the Scarborough-Wombarra Bowling Club
In the past 20 years, across the country, dozens of bowling clubs have been sold to private hospitality groups or bulldozed for apartments. This year, against those odds, the Scarborough-Wombarra Bowling Club — aka the Bowlo — turns 70.
Still standing. Still community member owned. And you're invited to help us celebrate.
For the past months we've been meeting local people, asking them to share their memories and digging through boxes of photographs to find content for a Bowlo mini-documentary. This is set to be a record of some of the most remarkable moments in the club's 70 years.
Cath Church and the team at Good Chat in Thirroul are making the Bowlo documentary. Photos: Jamie Madden
It all started with a conversation. In 1956, three local men — Jim Hindmarsh, Mr Saywell and Mr Sweeny — sat on the verandah in Wombarra, and decided their little community needed a bowling club of its own. All three held prominent positions at the local mines.
Then, coal mining was the backbone of the district. Miners chipped in a few cents from every pay packet on "stump day" into a social fund, which helped build the Bowlo, alongside the district's hospital, community hall and surf club. The post-war optimism of the time carried the volunteers and local tradies who helped to build the clubhouse. They built what they could afford — modest by design, but fitting for their needs.
Thanks to 70 years of effort, the Bowlo has survived and today many decades of volunteers' hard work is coming to fruition.
After years of struggle, the Bowlo has again become a connection point for a wide range of social and recreational activities. Bowlo Choir. Dancing on the green. Storytelling nights. Live music. Seasonal festivals. This new energy is even driving growth in club and bowling membership again.
On Saturday, 17 October, we're throwing open the doors for the premiere screening of the Bowlo mini-documentary, and you're invited.
The night will be hosted by Tim Ross — comedian and unapologetic mid-century obsessive — with food, DJs and dancing to follow. Tickets are a donation of $20, and we invite anyone who has ever had a moment at the club to come along and celebrate with us.
The next day, on Sunday, 18 October, Aussie music legends The Whitlams are playing a special gig for the 70th year.
Tickets to both events are available at bowlo.com.au.
Writer Jamie Madden is a director of the Scarborough-Wombarra Bowling Club.
