Sport
2 December, 2025
Dunolly Bowls Club celebrate 80 years
The Dunolly Bowls Club celebrated a momentous occasion on Sunday, recognising 80 years of memorable moments, premiership glory, and most importantly, companionship.
Members past and present gathered at the clubrooms to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Dunolly Bowls Club, with guests enjoying friendly matches on the greens and a luncheon.
The club also laid out a host of memorabilia from yesteryear, including old bowling attire and accessories, as well as photo books from previous anniversary celebrations.
The event was a particularly special moment for Dunolly Bowls Club member Chris Williams, who’s been at the club for over four decades.
“It’s terrific to see so many people come back who have moved on due to a whole variety of different reasons and we thank them for coming back,” Williams said.
“After the war in 1945, there was obviously a group that got together and I think it was Harry Raven who had earthmoving equipment here, who was one of the original members.
“One of the founding members was a guy who’s probably one of the legends, Maurie Beasy, who was (previously) the captain of the Carlton Football Club.”
Williams is one of Dunolly’s most accomplished bowlers, winning multiple premierships and being named the region’s Champion of Champions on several occasions.
Williams still plays a crucial role in Dunolly Blue’s weekend and midweek pennant sides, and has also served on the club’s committee on several occasions, including stints as president.
Despite all his bowling success, Williams said he mostly cherishes the social interactions the Dunolly Bowls Club has provided him.
“The comradeship and friendship really stand out. It’s not all about winning, it’s about having enjoyable times,” he said.
“You always like to win, but you meet a lot of great people in bowls, and even the people you play against become your friends. At the end of the match, you go and have a couple of drinks together and enjoy each other’s company.
“It’s good for your physical and mental outcomes in life, you keep your brain operating, and keep communicating with other people.”
According to Williams, continued community support has been the key ingredient for the club to reach such a significant milestone, and he’s confident that foundation will fuel his beloved club for decades to come.
“Community input is so vital. If you look at the history of the club, this club was built on volunteerism, not just working, but also financially into this club,” he said.
“Every year, if you read the minutes, there have been improvements in the club on a yearly basis through community work.
“Obviously, they did some major improvements over that period of time, like building the Keith Mottram green or extending the clubrooms.
“Just even changing the grass on the green, in 1999, they put Tifdwarf in here and that helped people’s bowling and made it easier to maintain bowling greens.