Darwin clubs to receive multimillion dollar funding
The iconic Darwin Bowls and Social Club facility will get a multimillion dollar facelift within the next year, after the Northern Territory Government today announced a significant handout for two clubs in the region.
One of the club’s bowling greens will be redeveloped as a synthetic green with a permanent roofing structure, as part of the Northern Territory Government’s Budget 2015 funding allocations.
The government has committed $2 million to upgrade lawn bowls facilities in Fannie Bay (Darwin Bowls and Social Club) and Marrara (North Darwin RSL).
NT Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Hon Gary Higgins MLA said that the allocation was a coup for the sport in the region.
“This is a wonderful win for bowls in Darwin,” Minister Higgins said.
“We are committed to helping provide the best sport and recreation facilities for Territorians, young and old, and we hope these upgrades will help reinvigorate the sport in the Top End.
“By providing a synthetic bowling green under cover, Darwin Bowls and Social Club will be able to extend its season as well as attract more participants all year round.
“The Marrara upgrades will also help the North Darwin RSL cater for its players and visitors.”
Similarly, the Health Minister, the Hon John Elferink MLA, said investing in sporting facilities had a positive effect on health outcomes in the Territory.
“Everyone knows the health and social benefits of participating in a sport and we believe it’s important to offer as much incentive as possible to get more Territorians active,” Mr Elferink said.
“The great thing about lawn bowls is it’s a sport which can be played at all levels across all age groups.
“And it’s not just about being in a competition – social and corporate take up of lawn bowls has been reasonably sound.”
Caption: An artists impression of what the Darwin Bowls and Social Club could look like after the renovations.