Brunswick District Bowling Club 1958

In the 1940s, Don Campbell, then a Councillor with the Shire of Harvey, suggested land overlooking the Brunswick River—owned by Mrs Smith—would be an ideal location for a sporting complex including bowls and tennis courts, but the land was not purchased at that time.

In 1952, Harry Harnett raised the need for a Social Club in the district and proposed the old blacksmith’s barn and stables at the corner of South Western Highway and Raymond Road in Roelands as a possible site.

Mr Campbell continued to support his original river site proposal, which was later purchased for the establishment of a bowling club. A public meeting held in the Memorial Hall on 18 March 1954 further considered the idea. Foundation Members each contributed £ 5, and with 94 members participating, a total of £470 was raised.

Work soon began on “The Hut,” the bowling green and the fence line. An early setback revealed why no water was flowing from the town supply—the meter had been installed back to front.

The Brunswick Districts Bowling Club was officially opened on 2 November 1958, with Mr Roy Eckersley opening the Club House and Mr Jack Lowe opening the greens. Today, the Club has three greens, and volunteers still perform much of the work required to keep the facility running.

Over the years, the Club has produced outstanding bowlers at both Club and State level, and it remains a lasting legacy of the foundation members’ commitment to establishing a bowling club in Brunswick.