By JESSE GRAHAM
A $100,000 funding kick-start will see Healesville Bowling Club breathing new life into an old green, with players ecstatic about redevelopment at the club.
Seymour MP Cindy McLeish paid a visit to the club on Thursday 7 November, with about 35 members of the club present, to make the funding announcement.
Ms McLeish announced that the State Government would contribute $50,000, along with another $50,000 from the Yarra Ranges Council, to convert one of the club’s greens to synthetic grass.
The announcement was met with cheers and applause from the excited club members, many of whom were still wearing their uniforms from games earlier that day.
The conversion will mean that the green will be able to be used more frequently by players and it is expected that the new surface will last for 10 to 15 years.
Ms McLeish said the grant will help to promote activity in the area and bring more people to the club.
“It’s terrific that someone takes the time and effort to do it (the application),” she said.
“I applaud the members for their hard and dedicated work securing the funding for this project.
“Not only will it be an improved asset for the club but it is also hoped the broader community will get on board and use it.”
Healesville Bowling Club’s Warwick and Helen Etty helped to prepare the application for the grants and said they were pleased with the result.
Mr Etty said that he hopes the new green will help to bring in more players and members to the club.
At the announcement, he commented on the “female power” in town, congratulating Ms McLeish and Cr McAllister for their work with the Healesville Hospital campaign and the club’s funding application, with the help of his wife.
Mr Etty said the new green would cost around $147,000 altogether and thanked everyone involved in the application and the club.
