About Us - Pakenham Bowls Club

Welcome to the Pakenham Bowls Club, the home of the Mighty Lions! We are proud to offer a welcoming and friendly environment for all who visit. Whether you’re interested in social, barefoot, or competitive lawn bowls, our club provides the perfect setting for all levels of play. With two synthetic greens, our members can enjoy bowling all year round. Additionally, our floodlights enable twilight bowling competitions during the summer months.

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History of Pakenham Bowls Club

1954 – The Beginning

The Pakenham Bowls Club traces its roots back to 1950 when a group of nine men met to discuss forming a club. Led by Mr. J. Crawford, the steering committee worked tirelessly, and the club officially held its first meeting on 19th October 1954. With an initial membership of 14, the club selected its current site after discussions with the council. Subscriptions were set at 5 pounds 5 shillings for men and 2 pounds 2 shillings for ladies.

The first green was sown on Anzac Day 1956, thanks to the efforts of working bees. Despite challenges like water shortages, the green was saved by pumping water from a nearby creek. By this time, membership had grown to 26, and the club raised 880 pounds through debentures.

1957 – Official Opening

The bowling green was officially opened on 14th December 1957 by Shire President Cr. S. Thewlis. The clubhouse was completed and furnished by the end of 1958, and the club celebrated its first champions: Mr. D. Williamson (men’s) and Mrs. Trew (ladies).

1960 – Further Developments

Membership grew to 43 by 1960/61, and concrete banks were poured to improve the greens. The ladies’ team also won the A Grade pennant flag this year.

1976 – The Choice

In 1976, members faced a pivotal decision: extend the clubhouse and apply for a liquor license or build a second green. With membership at 61, the decision was made to build a second green, which opened on 19th February 1978. The greens were named after two of the club’s hardest workers: T.J. Crowley and J.R. Banks.

1980 – Extending, Licensing, and Incorporating

The club was extended in 1980, granted a full liquor license in 1981, and incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act in 1984. During this period, the club donated over $15,000 to local and state charities.

1986 – New Clubhouse

In 1986, the club decided to build a modern clubhouse. With a $250,000 loan, an Andrews Foundation Grant of $200,000, and $120,000 from club reserves, the new clubhouse was completed in April 1989 at a cost of $560,000. Much of the furniture and fittings were donated by club members.

2000 – Metropolitan League

In 2000, the club joined the Metropolitan League after the West Gippsland Association folded. Starting in Division 3, the club quickly rose to Division 2 and later to Division 1 in 2011.

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Recent Improvements (2019–2021)

• 2019: New tills and five new umbrellas were installed.
• 2020: The old clubhouse was removed, the car park was bituminised, new fencing was installed, and sliding doors were fitted.
• 2021: A roof was constructed over one of the greens, and new synthetic grass was laid around the greens and ditches. A new deck was also built outside the dining room area.

Despite Covid-19 restrictions in 2020, the club remains in a healthy financial position as we move into 2021.

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Club Activities and Events

• Pennant: Competitive bowling leagues.
• Barefoot Bowls: Fun, casual bowling for all ages.
• Tournaments: Including the Paky 5000 – 2025, Club Championships 2024-2025, and 40th Crowley Day 2025.
• ERBR Championships 2024/2025: Regional competitions.
• Function Room Hire: Perfect for events and gatherings.

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Club Governance

• Office Bearers: Dedicated members who oversee club operations.
• By-Laws: Rules and regulations governing the club.
• Mission Statement: Our commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community.
• Constitution: The foundation of our club’s governance.
• Privacy Policy: Ensuring the protection of member information.

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Contact Us

For more information, visit our Calendar or reach out to us directly. We are always happy to welcome new members and visitors!

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Sponsors

We are grateful for the support of our sponsors, who help us maintain and improve our facilities.

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Pakenham Bowls Club – A place where tradition meets community, and every roll of the bowl brings us closer together. 🎳🦁