WAIKERIE bowlers are watching the fruits of their labours ripen, as construction begins on the massive dome covering their greens, after more than two years of planning.
In December 2019, the District Council of Loxton Waikerie (DCLW) voted in favour of providing the Waikerie Bowling Club with $250,000 of in-kind funding, and a $250,000 loan if its application was successful.
The Waikerie Bowling Club (WBC) subsequently received $608,000 from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions grants program in mid-2020, and the club has contributed $170,000 to the project.
Club president Roger Davies said bowling members and Waikerie residents alike have been “very excited” watching construction begin on the dome cover over the past week.
“A lot of people have been coming to the club, or driving past the street, just to watch construction of the very large dome-cover frame,” he said.
“I’ve heard a lot of enthusiasm and congratulations from locals on the project’s start, and we’re very excited that it’s happening.
“The construction crew told me it should be fully completed mid-April, and (the club) is replacing one of the greens in mid-May, so we’re planning to have the official opening around June.”
The dome cover will be the first in SA for country bowls clubs, and Mr Davies said he expects it to draw outside players to local tournaments.
“It’s going to bring a lot more attention and an increase in tourism to Waikerie, which can only be a good thing,” he said.
“It’s been a lot of work for (club members) over the past two years, but we’re now seeing the fruits of our labour and we’re very satisfied.
“Thank you to (Barker MP Tony) Pasin for his effort in getting this project funding across the line, and to (DCLW Mayor Leon) Stasinowsky and CEO David Beaton and the councillors for their efforts and support, and in particular councillor Peter Walker for initially speaking to me about seeking government funding for this huge project.
“And thank you to all our members here at the bowling club for their passion and support, in particular the club grants committee: Drew Schapel, Brian Rogers, Barry Harden and Bob Nicholls.
“There’s a lot more work to do, but we’re very fortunate to have great volunteers and enthusiastic members.”