CluBarham Welcomes the World for Historic Bowls Championship

The coup has been nearly two years in the making, with CluBarham successfully winning the bid against heavyweight contenders South Africa and Wales. CEO Jason Wallace says the achievement is proof of the town’s growing reputation as a destination for both elite competition and community events.  

“We’ve got world-class facilities with two undercover synthetic greens,” Jason told ABC Bendigo Breakfast host Fiona Parker.  

“We want to make Barham and Koondrook a place for bowls, live music and even pickleball. This is a huge win for our community.”

The championship will welcome 60 bowlers from 32 nations, with players already arriving from the USA, New Zealand, China, Brazil, South Africa and Wales.  

“They’re loving the area already. Some even said they’d like to live here,” Jason says.  

“The Murray River, the bushland and the local businesses are all part of what makes Barham such a hidden gem.” 

The competition began with practice rounds last Saturday before sectional play on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, followed by knockout rounds on Wednesday.  

The finals will be held today (Thursday, 25 September), with the women’s match scheduled for 1:00pm and the men’s final at 3:15pm. Jason says the demand for tickets reflects the excitement.  

“We’ve got grandstand seating and VIP packages for food and beverage. Tickets are selling fast, and it will be a real spectacle to watch,” he says. 

The event is expected to triple Barham’s population for the week, with all local accommodation already booked.  

“Our members are so proud to show off their greens to the world. The whole community has embraced it,” Jason says.  

“The business community can’t wait, and for our bowls members, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.” 

CluBarham has worked closely with Murray River Council and local operators to ensure a seamless experience for international players and visitors. Jason says the event will leave a lasting legacy.  

“This guarantees for the Wollongong and Illawarra community, and beyond, a major sporting asset for the next 50 years.  

“It’s not just about bowls; it’s about tourism, entertainment and the future of our region.”