Yungaburra Bowls Club

The idea of forming a Bowls Club was discussed in the year 1947, and the Yungaburra Bowls Club’s official opening was in 1948. The original clubhouse was built by voluntary labor after the majority of the work on the green was completed.

As work progressed, other people joined the club and helped with the labor. The original toilets were outside loos which caused many a headache to the committee members and patrons until the last clubhouse extension was completed. Before the whole area was properly fenced, the green was occasionally visited by cows from the adjacent Mather’s dairy farm whenever somebody neglected to tie up the fence after it was opened for the soil truck.

Club members, both men and ladies, conducted fund raising. Many men gave money as debentures on the understanding they were not repayable. A Queen’s Competition was organized with other towns participating. Yungaburra Bowls Club entrant, Joan Gilson (then receptionist at the Lake Eacham Hotel), having raised the most money, won the competition. Dances were held, mostly at the Kulara Hall. A concert was held in the Tivoli Picture Theatre Hall, which is now known as the Yungaburra Community Hall. Some players from other clubs, mainly Malanda, and workers from Tinaroo Dam (which was being built) helped and showed Yungaburra bowlers how to play the game.

The original blue couch green was replaced by the tif-dwarf green and was officially opened by Mr Roy Armstron, MLA, on Sunday 22nd January, 1978. In 2008, a new synthetic green was laid. Mr Harry Williams donated the land for our club and today a descendent,  Mr Peter Williams of Williams Lodge, Yungaburra , is our Club’s Patron.

The Green was named after Bob Pritchard some years ago. Bob has been a member for over 50 years and has held many positions within the club. He loves his bowls and the club. The Green is named “Bob Pritchard Green”. Bob is the Bar Manager at the present time.

The Yungaburra Bowls Club has had many changes over the years and bowlers have come and gone; but it’s comforting to know that some things haven’t changed – spectators still gather at the front fence – a warm welcome awaits visitors and locas alike. The beer is cold, the meals top quality – and above all – we still share and enjoy the fun and friendship of the game.