Discussing the merits of synthetic greens at Marysville were (from left) Sports Minister James Merlino, bowls presidents Pat Sund and Mark Simmonds, greenkeeper Rob Christie (seated) Acting Premier Rob Hulls and MP Ben Hardman.
By Kath Gannaway
MARYSVILLE bowlers were on a roll last Tuesday. First, they beat friendly ‘arch rivals’ Healesville in the first round of the ladies’ pennant, then they received $200,000 from the State Government for new synthetic greens.
Acting Premier Rob Hulls, Sports Minister James Merlino and Seymour MP Ben Hardman visited the Marysville Golf and Bowling Club to make the announcement, which was met with tremendous enthusiasm by club members.
“Sporting clubs, like the one here in Marysville, are at the heart of many communities, providing a place for families and friends to gather and drawing tourists to the region,” Mr Hulls said.
“The Marysville Golf and Bowling Club lost equipment and machinery used to maintain its greens and this funding boost will provide a new synthetic green in time for the new bowls season which is great news for the community,” he said.
The money comes through the Synthetic Surfaces Program which is supporting sporting clubs across Victoria to replace greens with drought-proof synthetic surfaces.
“This vital project will ensure the Marysville Golf and Bowling Club greens are low-maintenance as well as drought-resistant and able to withstand more wear and tear,” Mr Merlino said.
He said synthetic surfaces were now widely accepted for local competition, requiring less watering and allowing for extended seasons, which in turn catered for greater participation.
Marysville green keeper Rob Christie scoffed at the idea that the artificial greens might see him out of a job.
“We have only two permanent employed staff for both the bowls and golf areas so we rely quite a lot of volunteers.
“This means we can reduce the maintenance burden which will certainly be beneficial for the club,” he said.
Mr Christie said it also meant the club would be able to play year-round which would also benefit the club.
Mr Hardman said casual bowls had been played in Marysville since Black Saturday and the latest funding boost would ensure the club could be back up and running in time for the new competition season.
“Many people in this area have lost so much and this project will go a long way to rebuilding community spirit, especially for those in the nearby temporary community,” Mr Hardman said.
Marysville’s junior cricketers also received a boost with the ministers and Mr Hardman visiting the Marysville temporary village earlier in the day to donate a swag of new equipment donated by Cricket Victoria.
“In times of adversity, sport can play a key role in developing community strength which is why it’s so important that we move swiftly to assist these clubs so that local people can stay involved in their communities and in sport,” Mr Hardman said.
