Perth's Oldest Bowling Club Awaits Crucial Council Decision on Lease and Funding
The fate of Western Australia's oldest bowling club hangs in the balance as the City of Perth council prepares to make a critical decision this month. The Perth Bowling and Recreation Club, which has been operating on a precarious month-to-month peppercorn arrangement for years, is eagerly awaiting council approval for a five-year lease with potential extensions and up to $300,000 in co-contribution capital works funding.
Uncertain Future Without Council Support
Club president Peter French has expressed deep concern about the uncertainty created by the current arrangement. "We're just looking for a bit of certainty for the next five to seven years," French told PerthNow. "It would leave us as a status quo with an unsure future if the council refuses the agreement."
The proposed funding would support essential upgrades to the club's 1962 building, which a council report described as "past its design life and does not meet modern standards for a bowling club facility." Without this support, French warned that planned improvements would "go down the drain" and the club would remain in limbo.
Significant Financial Commitment Already Made
Despite the uncertainty, the club has demonstrated remarkable commitment to its future. Members recently approved funding for a brand-new synthetic bowling green costing approximately $250,000 without external financial assistance. "We're one of the few bowling clubs that are paying for our own synthetic green," French said proudly.
The total financial commitment in the first year, including co-payments, is expected to reach $460,000. French projects a return on the synthetic green investment within four years through reduced maintenance costs and increased usage and patronage.
Rich History and Community Role
Established in 1895 with then-premier Sir John Forrest as its first president, the club has a storied history in Perth. Originally based on The Esplanade, it moved to its current Plain Street location in East Perth in 1962, coinciding with that year's Commonwealth Games. The club amalgamated with the Tattersalls Club in 1978.
Today, the venue serves as a vital multi-use community space hosting numerous groups including:
- Vision Impaired and Blind Bowlers of WA
- Perth Ladies Darts organization
- Snooker and billiards club
- Hash running group
- Weekly elderly program Stay Sharp
- Probus and Rotary clubs
- Naval Association
"It provides a safe, accessible and centrally located place for people to meet, connect and participate in community life," French emphasized.
Growing Membership and Community Need
The club currently boasts just under 600 members, with expectations of reaching 1,000 by mid-year. An estimated 60 to 70 percent of members live locally, representing a significant portion of East Perth's approximately 4,000 voting residents.
French highlighted the area's lack of accessible community facilities, noting that "residents here have very little in terms of community facilities to go to." To encourage participation, the club has introduced discounted memberships, with French stating, "We don't need the money—we need the people."
Grant Limitations and Future Prospects
The club has faced significant challenges in securing grants over the past two decades due to tenure uncertainty. "Most of these programs require long-term security and a lease that extends beyond the life of the funded asset," French explained.
The council is scheduled to consider the matter at its February 24 meeting. French expressed optimism about the outcome, saying he would be "extremely surprised" if the council didn't approve the agreement given the support already shown by city administration.
Even the club's mascot, Indy—a red cloud kelpie who "pretty much runs the joint" according to French—adds to the venue's unique community character. The dog reportedly keeps members in check and barks at French when he's not "doing my work and talking to people."
The decision will determine whether this historic institution can continue serving East Perth residents as a hub for social connection, recreation, and community activities for years to come.
