THE Moyhu Bowling Club will have a major windfall if the Liberal party is elected to government in the 2025 Federal Election to the tune of $550,000.
Liberal candidate for Indi James Trenery made the party commitment to the club if the Liberal party wins office on 3 May.
He said the $550,000 investment will replace the club’s ageing synthetic turf with a high-quality surface that improves safety, longevity, and playability.
Mr Trenery heard about the club's need for a new bowling green when he was at the Wangaratta Show last year and a member of the club told him about it.
"I said honestly I have 15 minutes between leaving here and my next event so I went out there and the committee came out and showed me," he said.
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"It's so important that these clubs have community function areas and groups who look after the town.
"If we get up and win, it will be great for the town and the people who are in it.
“The Moyhu Bowling Club has been a vital part of our community for 25 years.
"It’s more than just a place to play bowls – it’s a meeting place, a hub for friendships, and a space where people of all ages, especially our older community members, can stay active and socially engaged.
“This upgrade is about ensuring that the club remains a welcoming and accessible venue for everyone, safeguarding its future as a cornerstone of our town.”
Club president, Ian Ritchie, told the Wangaratta Chronicle members were surprised and excited when they were told about the funding amount.
It will cost at least $260,000 just for the green and with the leftover funds they can look at renovations to the toilets, kitchen and clubrooms.
The weekend pennant team are fresh from winning the grand final and the club has a midweek pennant, and over 60s.
Residents from Moyhu, Wangaratta and from the valley travel to play as they enjoy the small club, rural town atmosphere.
The club prides itself on its community focus running a number of highly successful community activities and hires out club facilities at cost.
They also run an annual Barefoot Bowling program over six weeks on a Friday evening attracting more than 50 participants from 16 local clubs each session.
“Our facilities have been gradually deteriorating over recent years and without outside financial help it is inevitable that our green will be deemed unplayable for pennant competition," Mr Ritchie said.
"Once this occurs it will quickly lead to the club closing down.
"Most of our members are elderly and closure will mean the end of their active participation in a sport."
