Fully disability friendly club
By Kay Ole
Bundaberg Bowls Club has upgraded its facilities to be disability-friendly.
With the assistance of grants from both State and
Federal Governments, the Bundaberg City Council and contributions totalling over $250,000 from our club over the last five years, we have been able to:
- include two new toilets for people with a disability
- install ramps at the front and back of the building
- install ramps to access the greens
- lay new flooring
- buy new dining room furniture
- paint internally
- buy a new P.A. System
- install security with surveillance cameras both inside and outside
- upgrade the television and computers
- install shades at the back of the building
- lay outdoor carpet in front of the Samson Green, which is a barbecue area together with high tables and stools overlooking the green
In particular, we were able to purchase four Wheelie Walkers from the Bundaberg City Councils Grant for our members and visitors to use. These walkers have allowed two of
our members, Kay Ole and David Troughton to be able to participate in their chosen sport of lawn bowls once again.
Volunteers also help with teaching the basics of our sport to
children with disabilities from the Special School and the Endeavour Foundation and the club has provided rubber biased lawn bowls for these children. Bundaberg North High School students have also attended a program and Bundaberg State High School is expected to begin next year.
Bundaberg Bowls Club first opened its doors in 1905 and 114 years later it has grown in leaps and bounds. Situated just one block from the main centre of town on the banks of the Burnett River, a cool breeze keeps things comfortable on the hottest of days. The location and now these new, improved features have assisted us greatly
in hiring out our venue for weddings, parties, birthdays, barefoot bowling and other functions.
I would like to thank the backbone of our club, the volunteers, who assist barefoot bowlers, students, provide help at functions, assist with the surrounds and gardens and are always willing to help in any way. Board Chairman Joan Jones and the board, together with Club Manager John Clough and his wife Kay, are to be congratulated on their foresight and tireless efforts to keep the club running so successfully.