Lara Bowling Club welcomes Deputy PM to progress Covered Green project

L-R: Geoff Rietschel (GM Bowls Operations, Bowls Victoria), Deputy PM and Member for Corio Hon Richard Marles MP, Alan Gillett (Project Manager - Lara BC), Angela Staropoli (Commercial Director - SMC Strategies), Les Hutchinson (Secretary, Lara BC)

Lara Bowling Club (LBC) in Victoria has welcomed a visit from Deputy PM and Member for Corio Hon Richard Marles MP to discuss the Club's $1.8 million Covered Green project.

Joining the visit were representatives from Bowls Victoria including Geoff Rietschel from the BV Advisory Committee, Angela Staropoli from SMC Strategies, along with Lara Bowling Club board member Alan Gillett and club secretary Les Hutchinson. The meeting provided an opportunity to showcase the vision for the project and the strong community support that continues to build behind it.

The project also has the strong interest and support of Victorian MP for Lara, Ella George.

The proposed project would see one of LBC's existing synthetic greens transformed into a year-round covered facility, allowing bowls and community activities to continue in all weather conditions.

More than just a sporting upgrade, the proposal focuses on improving community connection, accessibility, participation, health and wellbeing for people of all ages. The facility would provide protection from extreme heat and rain, create greater opportunities for junior programs and school participation, and allow more inclusive access for older Australians and people of all abilities.

The club has long been a hub for the Lara community, hosting social bowls, barefoot bowls, community events, school programs and support activities for local groups and charities. The covered green proposal will significantly expand these opportunities while helping ensure the club remains a vibrant and welcoming community space for generations to come. The project has already received strong support from schools, community organisations, local businesses and Bowls Victoria as a key regional priority for the future of bowls in Victoria.

SMC has been working with Lara Bowls Club since 2025 to help see the project delivered.

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