December 31, 2024
Established in 1967, Jindabyne Bowling and Sports Club, situated on the shores of Lake Jindabyne, has grown with the community.
Over the years, it has become a generous supporter of community, and sporting groups. Chairperson and board member for more than four years, Nick Oakman, said the club has been a long-standing supporter of various community groups and has always tried to support where they can. “We are a sports, bowling and community club, that tends to get approached by local groups seeking funding and after putting some sponsorship guidelines in place, we’ve been able to help more groups and make it more public that we can help,” Mr Oakman said.
“We’ve been communicating with stakeholders about how we can work with you as a group.
“We have found that members really value the contribution that we are making to their cause. For us it’s about giving what we can to the community.”
The club has nine board members, elected by community members for a three-year term via its AGM. Contributing financial support, totalling $42,000, to eight different community groups, the club wishes to be known as not just a sports and club venue but a community hub, a space it can serve its community.
“We want to ensure the club is financially sustainable for the long term, known for growing with and for the community as well as offering great activities and hospitality. We want to be a venue that the entire community can be proud of,” Mr Oakman said.
“We are a community club for local members, that is who we want to represent and who we want to benefit.”
The Jindabyne Swim Club recently received donations from the Jindabyne Bowling and Sports Club to help the swim club pay for its race race nights. The donation saved hefty fees being imposed on families. A spokesperson for the Jindabyne Swim Club said without the Jindabyne Bowling and Sports Club’s support, the swim club would have had difficulty continuing.
The Jindabyne Lions Club has held board meetings, dinner meetings and changeover lunches at the club. “They support Jindabyne Lions Club events, including our popular Seniors Christmas luncheon, and many other fundraisers and we are very grateful for their support,” Lions Club member, Nira Windeatt said.
The club donates its dining room space each week to the senior’s exercise group, it allocates space for the Jindabyne CWA to meet each Tuesday for a coffee and to socialize, and offers free kids play time in their indoor playground and more.
The club also recently donated money to the Jindabyne Carols in the Park for its annual event to host an impressive fireworks display. Carols organiser, Sue Sell, said she appreciates the support and generosity from the club.
The club boasts sporting facilities including a seven rink lawn bowling green, two tennis courts and four indoor squash courts, the club hosts an array of other activities including poker night, trivia, and darts competitions.
The club’s goal is to provide quality hospitality services, sporting, social and entertainment experiences for its customers with the club serving as a local hub for members, the local community, and interest groups.
By Trista Heath, Summit Sun
