Coonamble Bowling Club Boosting Patronage With New Facilities

Secretary Manager Natalie Thurston says the most practical, and critical, part of the work is a long-overdue roof replacement.

"The biggest part of it is a new roof. We've had a very leaky roof for a very long period of time—years and years,” Natalie says. 

“All the air conditioners have to come off and go back on. It's a big job."

After enduring the leaks for close to 15 years, the Club has committed to rectifying the problem, which had become notorious for requiring garbage bins to catch drips whenever it rained.

Natalie says the renovations will take approximately five to six months and go well beyond the roof.

Among the additions is a new large deck designed to complement a recently completed playground that occupies about a third of a decommissioned bowling green.

“We put in a great big playground about 12 months ago,” she says. 

“Now we’re putting a deck on that side to enhance the area for families.”

The Club is also updating its outdoor gaming area, with improvements focused on refurbishing the existing space rather than expanding or relocating it. Minor works inside the venue—such as new furniture and ceilings—will follow in a later stage.

Natalie estimates around half of the Club will be affected by the current renovations, but says it will remain open and continue to trade throughout the work. Each part of the project will be done individually, to avoid disruption for patrons.

The addition of the playground a year ago made a significant impact on patronage, drawing in more families and prompting the Club to offer catering packages for children’s birthday parties.

“We’re booking quite a few kids’ parties now,” says Natalie. 

“It’s really changed things—we’re getting more families and creating a more welcoming atmosphere for everyone.”

The renovation project marks a new chapter for the Coonamble Bowling Club, blending essential infrastructure upgrades with a broader commitment to community-friendly spaces.