The Avenel Bowls Club, located in the Strathbogie Shire, is a vibrant sports club that offers a range of activities for both competitive bowlers and social members. The club has a rich history, with its establishment dating back to September 1958. Over the years, the club has made significant efforts to expand its social offerings and increase its membership base.
The Avenel Bowls Club is known for its excellent greens, which have been enjoyed by locals for many years. Currently, the club boasts around 350 bowlers and 150 social members, and their focus is on attracting new members from the surrounding residential areas. The club encourages individuals to join as social members first and then potentially transition into becoming competitive Pennant bowlers.
In addition to regular bowling matches, the Avenel Bowls Club organises a variety of social events both on and off the greens. Members can participate in Friday Night Bistro events, where they can enjoy delicious meals, and the club also hosts various social gatherings at their clubhouse and bar. The club aims to inject youth into its membership base and actively promotes activities such as Crackerjack and Barefoot Bowls as a means of attracting new and younger members.
Competitively, the Avenel Bowls Club offers members opportunities to participate in Club Championship events and compete in the Midweek and Weekend Pennants of the Geelong Bowls Region competition. The club experienced great success last year when all seven of their Pennant teams made it to the finals, with their Division 1 Pennant team winning the championship and moving up to the prestigious leading League.
The Avenel Bowls Club is equipped with top-notch facilities, including three outdoor greens consisting of two grass greens and one synthetic green known as the “Founder's Green. ” The Founder's Green is located in front of the clubhouse and is equipped with lighting, allowing for play throughout the year, both during the day and at night. The club also has a four-rink carpeted green beneath the clubhouse, which is used for coaching and practise sessions. This green can even be heated for matches during winter.
The club's clubhouse is spacious, catering to over 160 members, players, or guests. Additionally, the clubhouse is equipped with a commercial-grade kitchen, which is used by members and the club's in-house caterer for club event meals.
To get involved with the Avenel Bowls Club, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the club and experience firsthand the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The club places a strong emphasis on building friendships and fostering a sense of community among its members. They also hold post-game wrap events that have gained popularity among members, fostering an even greater sense of camaraderie. The club's message to non-members is simple – come through the gate and discover all that the Avenel Bowls Club has to offer.
Overall, the Avenel Bowls Club is a thriving and inclusive sports club that not only offers high-quality bowling facilities but also provides an array of social activities for its members. With a rich history, successful competitive teams, and exceptional facilities, the Avenel Bowls Club is an excellent choice for both experienced bowlers and individuals looking for a welcoming and vibrant social outlet in the Strathbogie Shire area.