Bowled over

By Ed Merrison
BOWLERS say a government grant has probably saved their Upwey-Tecoma club.
The club has been awarded $58,000 in funds towards a replacement for its synthetic playing green which was ruined by flooding in February 2005 just days after the club had raised more than $10,000 for victims of the Boxing Day tsunami.
The funds have come from a combination of Federal and State coffers and will make up the difference between an insurance pay-out and the cost of a top quality playing surface.
The funding is the result of tireless canvassing from club members, an 11th hour funding pledge from Monbulk MP James Merlino and continued lobbying in Canberra by La Trobe MP Jason Wood.
In the wake of the funding announcement on Saturday, 26 August it has emerged that, as recently as two months ago, the club’s survival hung in the balance.
Club president Robin Southern said the grants meant members could look to a future without debt and with a terrific facility.
“I think it’s made us stronger. We’ve come through dark times when we were looking at a bleak future, if any future at all.
“Now there’s optimism and a good spirit about the place,” he said.
Mr Southern said he hoped the synthetic green would be ready for play in early November and thanked the local MPs for their input.
“I really have to compliment James Merlino and Jason Wood.
“They may come from different parties but they worked together brilliantly for the best interests of our bowls club,” he said.
Mr Wood said he had attended an emergency meeting about two months ago in which fears were raised that the club might be going under.
He said his case for Regional Partnerships Program funding was strengthened by the State Government contribution, but called the bipartisan funding bid ‘a last throw of the dice’.
“(The club) jumped straight on the opportunity and made the most of it. They put together a very professional application in very quick time.
“I also had to work very closely with James Merlino to get it across the line. I congratulate him and thank him very much for that,” Mr Wood said.
Mr Merlino said the result was particularly pleasing after such a tough period for the club which had only just reopened its $100,000 synthetic green after storm damage when the disastrous rains fell in February 2005.
Mr Merlino was instrumental in securing $80,000 in Melbourne Water funding for the levee wall by September 2005, but the club’s plans to rebuild were hurt by delays in completing the project, which finally happened in June.
Mr Merlino paid tribute to the officers and members of the club for their tireless efforts to get the club back on its feet.
“It is what everyone wanted – to help out the club as best we can.
“I look forward to the opening of the new green. It’s going to be a special day,” Mr Merlino said.