Sport
31 August, 2025
Bowls club returns to action
New synthetic green allows games again after heartbreaking flood damage
AFTER nearly 18 months of closure, Tully Bowls Club has officially reopened its doors, unveiling a new synthetic green, following extensive flood damage caused by two major weather events.
The club’s surface was severely compromised twice within two months – once during Cyclone Jasper in December 2023 and again in February 2024.
Days of heavy rainfall coincided with a king tide which led to surface water pooling on the green. With creeks on both sides sitting higher than the drainage system, water was unable to escape and resulted in bubbling of the mat that rendered it irreparable.
Despite the challenges, club members rallied to restore part functionality and thanks to the efforts of Darryl Stumbles, Ray Downing and other volunteers, four rinks were repaired, allowing social bowls to continue.
Last month, the club celebrated the completion of its new green with an open fours tournament.
Bowlers from Ravenshoe, Babinda, South Johnstone and Gordonvale participated in the event and fine weather contributed to a successful day of competition.
Club members extended their gratitude to Berry Bowling Systems for installation of the new surface and sponsorship of the tournament. South Johnstone and Innisfail bowls clubs were also thanked for hosting two of Tully’s tournaments during 2024.
The green’s reconstruction was made possible through disaster recovery and resilience funding.
The club hopes to complete the resilience upgrades to the drainage system before the onset of the 2025 -2026 wet season.
Due to inclement weather, last month’s Tully Ladies Gumboot Fours event was postponed and will be held later this month.
The next major event on the club’s calendar is the men’s classic on August 30 - 31. Following the presentation of winners on Sunday, the club will host an official opening ceremony to mark the return of its new green.
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