SUMMER pennants might have only just started but south-west powerhouse Warrnambool Bowls Club is already collecting trophies.
With a commitment to lowering the age demographic and promoting the game, the Timor Street-based organisation was named club of the year in the Community Clubs Association of Victoria (CCAV).
Warrnambool general manager Stephen DeMartin said it was an honour to claim the title.
"It's recognition for all of the hard work the staff and the members have put in," he said.
"We've never received such an accolade before and the board of management is very proud."
The club boasts 300 bowling members, 300 social members, 2000 sports members and 1000 hospitality members.
DeMartin said it was a self-nomination process, before judges handpicked the winner from a group of finalists.
"It was about being the most successful, not necessarily about finances," he said.
"We had to prove what we've done for our bowlers, how we’ve increased our numbers and how we've promoted the sport."
The general manager credited development officer Paul O'Donnell with raising the profile of the game in the south-west.
"He has successfully grown the sport, DeMartin said.
"Once bowlers start playing, learn the rules and realise how difficult it is, they really take a liking to the sport.
"There are a lot more younger players at the club and we can offer them coaching and guidance."
Judges also appreciated the amount spent on upgrading and maintaining facilities at the club.
"They looked at what we were able to give back," DeMartin said.
"We continue to pour money back into the venue."
CCAV president Leon Wiegard said the club of the year award was presented to the club that best exhibited the provision of excellent service and support for bowlers and guests, excellent social club facilities and demonstrated consistent effective promotion of lawn bowls.
"This was a difficult and rewarding award for our judging panel," he said.
"Warrnambool Bowls Club is a worthy winner. In the past year, the club has defied what has been a consistent pattern in regional and Melbourne metropolitan areas of declining membership by increasing membership substantially and providing excellent services to members and guests."
Source : The Standard