Bowls NSW Connecting Women Through Sport

The program is a modern, social introduction to bowls, designed specifically to create a welcoming, low-pressure environment for women and girls of all ages and experience levels. 

According to the 2022/23 National Bowls Census, almost 70 per cent of the 214,685 people involved in bowls competitions and programs in NSW are male. Those aged 60 or over comprise the largest proportion of participants.  

In a bid to encourage a younger female demographic, Lunge Club has been designed to focus on fun, connection and community, helping to break down traditional barriers to entry and reimagining how bowls can be experienced.  

The initiative launched at Waverley Greens in February in partnership with the NSW Office of Sport and Easts Leagues Group, highlighting the importance of collaboration in driving community sport participation and inclusion. 

“Lunge Club is about creating a space where women and girls feel comfortable, connected and confident to give bowls a go,” says Bowls NSW CEO Tim Rowe. 

“It’s social, it’s accessible and it’s designed to make sport feel welcoming rather than intimidating. This is just the beginning of a statewide rollout that will help clubs engage new audiences in a meaningful way.” 

Since then, clubs have begun bringing Lunge Club to life in their own communities. This includes Sawtell Bowling Club, where an inaugural session attracted about 25 women and created a genuine buzz around the greens. 

The format proved easy to deliver and engaging for participants, with families, children and existing members coming along to see what the program was about. 

“The session ran exactly to time and created a fantastic atmosphere. The ladies absolutely loved it — there was so much laughter, energy and fun throughout the event," says Sawtell Bowling Club's Genevieve Staunton-Latimer.

For Sawtell Bowling Club, the response was immediate. Every participant indicated they would return, with many saying they would bring friends along next time. The success of the first session has led the club to schedule another event due to strong demand. 

“It was a fun, welcoming and social way to introduce women to bowls," adds Ms Staunton-Latimer.

"The format kept everyone involved, and the feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. We can't wait to run it again.” 

With more than 20 clubs across NSW looking to host Lunge Club events, the program is helping clubs create a simple and enjoyable entry point for new participants — one built around fun, connection and community. 

Upcoming Lunge Club Events 

• St Johns Park Bowling Club — Thurs 25 June at 6pm
• Sawtell Bowling Club — Sun 28 June at 2pm
• Club Grandviews — Sun 28 June at 3pm
• Club Thirroul — Sun 28 June at 3pm
• Neutral Bay Club — Tues 30 June at 5:30pm
• The Willarong Caringbah — Sun 5 July at 11am
• Pennant Hills Bowling Club — 8, 22 July at 5:30pm
• Moorefield Bowlo — Sun 12 July at 1pm
• Cowra Bowling Club — Sun 26 July at 2pm
• Fraternity Sports Club, Mayfield West — Sun 26 July at 2pm
• Club Merrylands — Thurs 30 July at 5:30pm
• Ocean Shores Country Club — Sun 2 August at 2pm

 Clubs wishing to register their interest to become a Lunge Club host can click here.