Future of Sydney bowling club secured
Image: Inner West 4s Bowls Competition at Gladstone Park Bowling Club in Balmain. Image: Instagram @gladstoneparkbowlo2041
by GRACE JOHNSON
The Gladstone Park Bowling Club in Balmain has announced they have agreed terms for a new 20 year lease with Inner West Council, ensuring the future of this beloved community club.
Many bowling clubs across New South Wales have been hit with staggering rent increases after around 11,000 Crown Land leaseholders were notified at the end of September that their rent had been redetermined. 360 of those are now facing rent increases greater than $2,000 a week.
Mayor of Inner West Council Darcy Byrne said, “At a time when many local bowling clubs are having huge rent increases across NSW, Inner West Council has worked with Gladstone Park Bowling Club to land an affordable lease agreement that ensures the club continues to contribute to the community.”
“The Gladstone Bowling Club is one of the most important parts of Balmain’s community identity and it was vital that we secure the club’s future for the long-term,” he continued.
The widely adored ‘Gladdo’ has been home to many community events and activities in the Balmain area. The club also recently celebrated its 125th birthday, making it one of the oldest community institutions in Balmain.
The lease will allow the club to continue hosting bowling competitions with other clubs in NSW while also maintaining the hugely popular barefoot bowling sessions for the general public.
President of the Gladstone Park Bowling Club Les Howarth said, “With this new lease, Gladstone Park Bowling Club will also be able to continue to sponsor local sporting teams into the future and look forward to finding more junior sporting teams that we can support.”
Vice President James Heek said, “We are very excited about the future of the club and the privilege to continue to give back to the community that supports us.”
“Gladstone Park Bowling Club is very thankful to Mayor Byrne and Councillors Shetty and Stamolis along with council officers for their support of the club and help to achieve this new lease with the Inner West Council for 20 years,” he continued.
