THEIR plight has featured in national and international news, and their now-famous YouTube clip has had more than a million hits – and the members of Chadstone Bowls Club don’t plan to give up the fight to keep their club.
As the 60-year-old club fights to prevent Stonnington Council from bulldozing the site to make way for a new indoor stadium, committee member Denise Wallish feels sad and angry.
A council’s needs analysis study in 2015 showed more indoor sporting courts were needed to meet local demand, and an indoor facility was particularly important for women’s sport. The bowls club site was earmarked in December last year.
“The important part of what this club is about isn’t seen in any of the things that council has included in its reports,” Denise said. “For so many older people, this club is their life. It’s sad that older people are just pushed aside.
“The original council report said they would look at opportunities to relocate the bowls club or help members find suitable alternatives. But so many people have told me this will be it for them if our club goes.”
The club has 650 members, mostly seniors. But, it says council has no regard for the fact that it provides an important meeting point and enables older people to stay active and engaged.
“Right from the beginning the council didn’t come to the club to see what goes on here, they just looked at statistics about the number of pennant bowlers,” Denise said.
“Now pennant is a pretty good standard and not many clubs have many players at that level.”
When the club was first declared the preferred site for new stadium and a feasibility study announced, it galvanised massive community opposition to the proposal.
Then came the media exposure and YouTube. And an online petition on change.org now has more than 12,000 supporters.
In July, the council announced a further feasibility study looking at three alternative locations. The final report will come before council in November, with a decision expected by March next year.
Stonnington mayor Jami Kilsaris said the feasibility study will provide council with expert opinion, independent data and community feedback.
“Council is listening to the community and we want to assure residents that no final decision has been made,” she said.
“(We) will carefully consider the data and feedback gathered ... and make a decision to cater for the needs of the whole community.”
