About Us

Welcoming Members & Guests to the Whittlesea Bowls Club

Located within the Northern Suburbs and Whittlesea Township

The Whittlesea Bowls Club is located within the northern suburbs of Melbourne, and on Church Street, the main road within the Whittlesea Township. The Whittlesea Bowls Club places a lot of emphasis on community and friendship. 

The Club has undergone a major renovation that was completed in February 2021. The Club now boasts a 150-seat function room, a sports bar with a large TV video wall, a dedicated TAB area and a large bistro with an indoor playground. Whether you need to host a function or just looking for a family meal, the Whittlesea Bowls Club has it all. We would love to see you soon at the Whittlesea Bowls Club.

Foundation

Whittlesea Bowls Club Inc. was founded on the 10th of October 1955, following a meeting called the Shire President Cr. L. Mitchell. The Meeting was held at the RSL Hall, consisting of interested District Residents, Shire Representatives and current Victoria Bowls Association members. It was reported in the "Whittlesea Post" dated the 13th of October 1955 that after receiving a Debenture Guarantee of 850 Pounds from the Local Community, the meeting proposed to proceed with the purchase of Freehold land.


Upon this land, they would construct two Lawn Bowls Greens and associated Clubrooms. The estimated cost for the project totalled 3,700 pounds. Prominent Whittlesea resident Mr. Coding offered for development, the centrally located Lots 2,3 & 4 Church Street known then as "Pine Pot" at a cost of 850 Pounds. The land was purchased, various Permits/Loans sought & approved, with construction commencing during 1956.


Apart from sporting functions of Bowls it was agreed that construction of the new Club would "beautify" the town and kindle a fellowship for residents of the local community.

Greens

The Green in front of the Clubhouse was constructed and prepared with voluntary labour during the first year of formation. Although bowls first commenced during 1956, the Green was not formally opened until March 1957. It was reported that there were 300 Members and Guests in attendance at the opening, which was conducted by the then President of the RVBA Mr. A. Holbrook.

The first Green was subsequently dedicated the "Coulthard Green" in respect of Jim Coulthard who was an original Member and who passed away suddenly during 1973 whilst serving as President and Greenkeeper of the Club.

The Green was first lit for night bowls during 1957 and further interest required a more modern system. In the late-2000s, a new modern 4 pole non-shadow electric light system was installed to enhance our new constructed "Coulthard Green" which underwent substantial renovations and redressed with "Tift-Dwarf" to give us a 12-month continuous playing surface.

The second Green that was installed in 1963 was not used to the fullest at that time, but as the years passed and more Bowls Tournaments played it soon was a great asset. The Green in 1986 has now been dedicated the "Sam Snell Green" in respect of our Foundation Member and President.

Clubhouse

The building of the first Clubhouse was approved by the Committee in April 1956. The building was commenced by special Sub-Committee set up under the leadership of Mr. W. Smith assisted by Keith Downey a Foundation Member.

The materials used were purchased at reduced prices and with local people the work commenced. The Clubhouse consisted of a kitchen [part of this room for the ladies], the main hall which extended to where the West end pillars stand, a Men's room and Office about where the main Honour Board is hung.

Outdoor toilets were used in the early days. Further expansion of the Clubhouse was undertaken in 1962, improving the facilities at the time. These provided additional kitchen space, and added main hall and indoor toilet facilities for both Ladies & Men. During the mid-1970s, it was realised that to progress even further that the Club should be fully licensed. This action would enable more sporting activities to be accomplished and also assist financially with the Club being able to improve the Greens and outdoor activities.

A special Sub-Committee was convened in 1978 to plan for those proposals and have Members accept that this was achievable. Following much activity during 1978 and 1979 the first stage was completed. Additional kitchen space was provided together with showers and other improvements in the Main Hall.
 The Bar was completed during 1980 and trading actually commenced early November. In 1982 further alterations began including a Storeroom for the Bar, enclosed the side Veranda area and in larger Office. Also finally complemented with new carpet throughout.

Additional improvements were again carried out during 1990 with complete new toilets connected to sewerage, expanded and modern kitchen, new office and a lounge area with access to the Bar.

In 1996 the Club was offered Tabaret Gaming Machines to provide Members with many improvements and financial success. We then elected a Board of Directors to establish a Gaming Room with facilities for 25 machines. We constructed a Bistro, Gaming Room, main foyer, Car Parking facilities, and employed a Gaming Manager with a small staff of seven.

To meet the growth and the resultant community use of the Club further expansion was carried out in 2003 Stage I Extension of the existing Bowls Office to include a meeting room, Office for the Manager and Administration staff, Additional Toilets for Gaming Room Customers, Storage Room and Cool Room for Drink Machines. Extension of Bar into Bistro Area.

In 2020 the Club underwent its largest renovation. The build took 14 months with Covid-19 extending its build time. The Club was able to gain finance via the NAB bank and appointed DBG Projects as its builder. The Club would refurbish 75% of the Club while extending also. A 150 room Function Centre, a board room, staff room, new entrance and back of house was newly built. The existing bistro was refurbished with a kids' playground added and the existing members area was turned into a sports bar and dedicated TAB/Keno area. An outside deck was also constructed overlooking the Greens.

Club Directors

Courtesy Bus

Courtesy bus | Whittlesea Bowls Club | Whittlesea, VIC

The Whittlesea Bowls Club is committed to supporting community organisations and sporting clubs in and around the Whittlesea Township. The Whittlesea Bowls Club also supplies its facilities for the following:

Responsible Gambling

The Whittlesea Bowls Club is committed to conducting all aspects of Alcohol and Gaming Services in a Professional and Responsible manner as well as actively supporting the promotion and encouragement of Responsible Gambling. The Whittlesea Bowls Club adheres to the Mercury Responsible Gambling Code Of Conduct. The code can be found below.

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