Leichhardt Lynx Marks 100 Years With Major Community Bowls Fundraiser

Founded in 1925, LWBC – now proudly known as Leichhardt Lynx – is the oldest independent, ongoing women’s bowling club in NSW.

Their first members paid a subscription of 10 shillings and sixpence, plus one shilling a month. A century later, the Club is still rolling bowls on the same Inner-West green.

The event on Saturday at Leichhardt Bowling and Recreation Club, Lilyfield will open with morning tea and breakfast barbeque from 9:00am, followed by a celebratory game of bowls. 

Past and present members will gather for a commemorative photograph and afternoon presentation, alongside memorabilia display charting 100 years of women’s sport and social life in the Inner West.

Only a few years ago the Lynx were down to just seven active bowlers. A renewed push led by President Natasha Fairfax and a forward-thinking committee has more than tripled that number, with over 20 women now playing regularly and more joining each month.

To encourage new bowlers, the Club is offering complimentary Lynx membership (valued at $150) to first-time members, emphasising inclusivity, connection and the benefits of an accessible, low-impact sport.

This Sunday, the Club will host the Inner West’s Biggest Bowls Spider – a family-friendly community event on the green from 4:00pm. The event will raise funds for Detour House, a local organisation supporting women and girls facing crisis, homelessness risk and trauma.

Entry to the Bowls Spider is by donation ($5, $10 or $20, pre-paid at the bar or on the day).

The format is simple and highly visual: participants of all ages gather around the edge of the green, each with a single bowl. On the call, at the same time everyone rolls their bowl towards a “spider” marker in the centre. The closest bowl at the end wins, with Bowlo merchandise, a Lily Fields Distilling Co. pack up for grabs. And for the little rollers, Terrific Scientific vouchers.

Spectators can expect a colourful burst of bowls converging in the centre of the green.

For those unable to attend, donations to Detour House can be made via http://www.detourhouse.org.au or through the Club, ensuring the centenary weekend delivers a tangible benefit for women and girls in need.

Jan Priest, Bowlo Bar Manager of 30 years, and casual bowler herself, says the centenary is both a historic milestone and a statement about the future.

“This Club started when women were paying in shillings to play bowls. One hundred years later we’re still here, growing again and using that history to support women in the community,” Jan says. 

“It’s a story about resilience, reinvention and what happens when local people get behind their Club.”

Event details

Leichhardt Women’s Bowling Club Centenary Celebration

• Date: Saturday, 22 November 2025
• Time: From 9:00am
• Venue: Leichhardt Bowling and Recreation Club, 88–92 Piper Street, Lilyfield
• Program: Official welcome, morning tea and breakfast, social bowls, memorabilia display, commemorative photograph, afternoon presentations (approx. 3.30pm)

Inner West’s Biggest Bowls Spider – Community Fundraiser for Detour House

• Date: Sunday, 23 November 2025
• Time: From 3:30pm
• Venue: Main green, Leichhardt Bowling and Recreation Club
• Entry: By donation ($5, $10 or $20 – pre-pay at the bar or on the day)
• Beneficiary: Detour House and The Girls Refuge – supporting women and girls facing crisis, homelessness risk and trauma
• Format: All-ages, one-bowl “spider” game, prizes for closest bowls