Welcoming Members & Guests to the Whittlesea Bowls Club

Clubhouse

The building of the first Clubhouse was approved by the Committee in April 1956. The building was commenced by special Sub-Committee set up under the leadership of Mr. W. Smith assisted by Keith Downey a Foundation Member.

The materials used were purchased at reduced prices and with local people the work commenced. The Clubhouse consisted of a kitchen [part of this room for the ladies], the main hall which extended to where the West end pillars stand, a Men's room and Office about where the main Honour Board is hung.

Outdoor toilets were used in the early days. Further expansion of the Clubhouse was undertaken in 1962, improving the facilities at the time. These provided additional kitchen space, and added main hall and indoor toilet facilities for both Ladies & Men. During the mid-1970s, it was realised that to progress even further that the Club should be fully licensed. This action would enable more sporting activities to be accomplished and also assist financially with the Club being able to improve the Greens and outdoor activities.

A special Sub-Committee was convened in 1978 to plan for those proposals and have Members accept that this was achievable. Following much activity during 1978 and 1979 the first stage was completed. Additional kitchen space was provided together with showers and other improvements in the Main Hall.
The Bar was completed during 1980 and trading actually commenced early November. In 1982 further alterations began including a Storeroom for the Bar, enclosed the side Veranda area and in larger Office. Also finally complemented with new carpet throughout.

Additional improvements were again carried out during 1990 with complete new toilets connected to sewerage, expanded and modern kitchen, new office and a lounge area with access to the Bar.

In 1996 the Club was offered Tabaret Gaming Machines to provide Members with many improvements and financial success. We then elected a Board of Directors to establish a Gaming Room with facilities for 25 machines. We constructed a Bistro, Gaming Room, main foyer, Car Parking facilities, and employed a Gaming Manager with a small staff of seven.

To meet the growth and the resultant community use of the Club further expansion was carried out in 2003 Stage I Extension of the existing Bowls Office to include a meeting room, Office for the Manager and Administration staff, Additional Toilets for Gaming Room Customers, Storage Room and Cool Room for Drink Machines. Extension of Bar into Bistro Area.

In 2020 the Club underwent its largest renovation. The build took 14 months with Covid-19 extending its build time. The Club was able to gain finance via the NAB bank and appointed DBG Projects as its builder. The Club would refurbish 75% of the Club while extending also. A 150 room Function Centre, a board room, staff room, new entrance and back of house was newly built. The existing bistro was refurbished with a kids' playground added and the existing members area was turned into a sports bar and dedicated TAB/Keno area. An outside deck was also constructed overlooking the Greens.