Members and visitors at the West Tamworth Sports and Bowling Club are set to be bowled over by a brand new synthetic surface thanks to a $269,424 grant from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the number 2 green would be replaced with a synthetic surface which is low maintenance, no water and provides a long-lasting surface that is proving more and more popular for clubs.

“The recent drought was very tough on our bowling clubs who struggled to keep their water-thirsty greens alive in the face of level 5 water restrictions,” Mr Anderson said.

“Synthetic greens are proving to be more and more popular across our communities as they require no watering and little maintenance for these clubs.

“Clubs have been telling me how difficult it is to find a qualified greenkeeper to keep their greens in the kind of shape bowls players expect so these new synthetic greens are a godsend to clubs which rely on volunteers for the upkeep of greens.

“It’s important that we keep our bowls clubs alive and kicking as they’re often central to the social and physical wellbeing of our communities, particularly for our elderly.

“The future looks good at the West Tamworth bowlo with the installation of this new green and I couldn’t be happier for the club for winning this grant.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said in the past five years the Stronger Country Communities Fund had delivered more than 2000 grassroots projects, benefitting every Local Government Area in regional NSW.

“We all know how important it is for communities to have great places to come together to build social connections and boost their wellbeing through sport or community events,” Mr Toole said. 

“It’s the little things that make a big difference to the way we all work, live, play and do business, and the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government are delivering the projects that make a difference to everyday life right across regional NSW, from Byron Bay to Bega to Broken Hill.”

Round Five of the Stronger Country Communities Fund will support local community and sporting infrastructure projects, street beautification, public programs and events that display the best of local character and community spirit.

The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure in the regions.

For more information, visit: nsw.gov.au/sccf