Preston Reservoir Bowls Club
Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (14:53): Being the granddaughter of a former coach of the Australian women’s lawn bowls team, I pride myself on knowing a thing or two about the sport and the clubs. So let me just say bowls clubs are some of the most important local infrastructure we have. They are not just sporting grounds; they are community hubs that bring one of the most accurate reflections of locals, and I have got to say they bring these clubs to life. Preston Reservoir Bowls Club is no different, and last Friday I was invited to speak there in support of their Save Our Bowlo campaign. The Darebin council wants to hamstring local community clubs like this with shortened leases, slowing investment and affecting the clubs in a really bad way. I just will not stand for it. Darebin needs a council that is genuinely reflective of the community interest. A big thankyou to the local community, in particular Cr Emily Dimitriadis for standing up for this club and so many in our community. You are always such a staunch advocate for Darebin residents, and I was so happy to join you on this occasion. The turnout to the campaign launch on Friday was phenomenal, from seasoned bowls professionals to new families with their kids, young people giving bowls a go for the first time – some good, some not so good – and so many others. I look forward to continuing the fight alongside the Darebin community to save our beloved bowlo.