Club Supports Locals Impacted by Domestic and Family Violence

Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club raised $35,000 for the Great Lakes Women’s Shelter at a special fundraising sports lunch at the Club last Friday, adding to its pledge of $100,000 to the Shelter over the next four years. 

The sports lunch featured interviews with sports celebrities, including former NRL referee Matt Cecchin, Australian lawn bowls champion Dawn Hayman, Australian women's soccer trailblazer Julie Dolan AM and local horse trainer Terry Evans. 

The community showed their support, with more than 200 tickets purchased for the event and fundraising activities such as auctions and raffles raising over $35,000 for the shelter. 

"The Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club is incredibly proud to support such an important organisation," said Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club Manager Terry Green. 

 "The Great Lakes Women's Shelter provides essential services to women and children in our community, and we are honoured to contribute to their mission." 

Representatives from other local clubs were also in attendance on the day, including Forster Bowling Club, Workers Lifestyle Group and Club Forster, as well as many other local sporting organisations and businesses. 

The Great Lakes Women's Shelter offers a safe haven for those in need, providing experienced staff to support families in securing safe housing and accessing essential services. 

These services include legal, financial and family support, counselling and identifying other needs during their stay. The shelter’s operations are sustained by community support and government grants, with locals playing a vital role in its continued success. 

Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club has shown a strong commitment to this cause, pledging $100,000 over the next four years to the shelter, which accommodates up to 10 families at a time. This donation illustrates the Club’s dedication to supporting vulnerable members of the community. 

Group CEO of St Johns Park Bowling Club, David Marsh, expressed his gratitude for the community of Tuncurry. 

"We are incredibly grateful to the wonderful Great Lakes community for their unwavering support,” David said.  

“Their generosity and participation are what make events like this possible and impactful."