By Jamie Madden of Wombarra Bowlo
When the Scarborough Wombarra Bowling Club opened its doors in 1956, Australia was a different place. A post-war boom in leisure saw a wave of community-owned bowling clubs spring up across the country. These clubs became the heart of their local towns, offering good value, fostering social connections, and creating a sense of belonging.
As a 2022 UNSW report highlights, bowling clubs are under threat. In the past decade, 51 clubs have closed, leaving only 128 remaining, with just 96 still run independently. With every closure, communities lose vital facilities and meeting spaces that support local culture and camaraderie.
Against this trend, the Scarborough Wombarra Bowling Club stands as a resilient beacon on the Northern Illawarra coast, proving that with the right vision these clubs can continue to thrive and serve their communities in meaningful ways, hopefully well into the future.
Incoming president Gary O’Sullivan says, “It's been a journey of discovery as we’ve moved to include more live music and a range of community events, like barefoot bowls and our upcoming markets. The club's members have shown a real openness to exploring new ways of using the space; there's talk of using greens for everything from kids’ activities to yoga and pickleball.”
New manager Michael Heslin says, “It’s an absolute honour to be managing The Bowlo. As genuine places like this become rare on the coast, our top priority is to keep The Bowlo 100% original while improving the club to better serve our evolving community needs.”
Gary says bowling remains relevant at Wombarra. “Bowlers still play a very active role in the club, with men's competitions on Wednesdays and Fridays, plus women's competitions on Tuesdays and weekly interclub competitions. Our bowling members are also growing in numbers as more people come and try the sport.”
Board member Sean Izzard reckons, “If you like billiards or pool, you’ll love lawn bowls!”
The new board would like to thank outgoing board members, with a special mention to retiring president Marton Fox for his many years of service and leadership.
The Black Duck restaurant is approaching 10 years at The Bowlo, with new Chef Kay Kay introducing some authentic favourites from her homeland on the Thai street food specials board.
The club remains a local institution; 68 years on, it is still serving great value meals and is known far and wide for its original interior and stunning coastal and escarpment views. Filmmakers also appreciate such authentic gems, with the Wombarra Bowlo recently featuring in the BBC's murder-mystery Return to Paradise, the Australian spin-off of Death in Paradise.
Coming up, the Bowlo will host a daytime dance party on 30 November, a Christmas Market on Sunday, 8 December, and a gig for the popular band Caravana Sun on 14 December.
Looking ahead to next year, we're planning exciting community events, including comedy trivia and open mic nights, the Get Together Music Festival, and a Food & Growers Festival, reviving old traditions such as vegetable growing competitions, which were held at the club for many years.
Gary says, “It’s important to note that bowlos are not run by a mega hospitality corporation. Our Bowlo was built by miners, fisherfolk, mothers, and market gardeners and is run by a board of volunteers.
"It’s only by the grace of the community that it has survived for nearly 70 years, and we warmly invite the community to join as members, try their hand at bowling, or host an event or our charity raffle. We look forward to growing together with the community and taking each challenge as it comes to keep our Bowlo in community hands well into the future.”
Find out what's coming up at the club, visit bowlo.com.au or Instagram @wombarra_bowlo
