Build it and they will come
By Lesley Bates
Along with local federal member for Dawson, George Christensen, I was invited by President Warren Hardy to the opening of the Gloucester Community and Hydeaway Bowls Club late last year. I was invited to address the 100 or so bowlers and members and I highlighted the thousands of hours of planning, construction, consultations and volunteer work that went into making the club a reality.
I also said that I hoped that once the bowlers got the bug to play competitively, they would join with the 15 other clubs in the Mackay District. Hydeaway Bay would be welcomed with open arms as it would be wonderful to have another club on board to share the many benefits of being with Bowls Queensland, Bowls Australia and World Bowls. With Greg Duncan of Alligator Creek’s help, donated carpet by Airlie Beach and North Mackay Bowls Clubs, a volunteer architect and engineer, members’ hard work, contractors who sharpened their pencils to a fine point and George Christensen’s federal funding of $100,000, Warren Hardy’s dream was turned into a modern and inviting facility for travellers and locals. Already two newcomers have joined their local Airlie Beach Club. Once there are 20 members who wish to extend their experience further, the club will apply to the Mackay District for inclusion. In honour of Warren’s persistence, planning, relationship building and his overall commitment to his community, the bar was officially given his name at the ceremony.
