Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to congratulate the Stockton Bowling Club in my electorate of Newcastle which is celebrating its centenary this year. The club began shortly after the declaration of World War I when a few local residents decided they were tired of having to travel to play bowls elsewhere and wanted their own club by the sea. Today, at a time when so many clubs are finding it harder and harder to stay afloat, the Stockton continues to prosper. Earlier this year, the 'little club that roars' went up against some of the biggest names in the industry and took out the top award at the Australian Club Entertainment Awards for venue excellence and commitment to entertainment. The award is true testament to the outstanding efforts and community contribution of our club CEO and local legend, Gordon Laffan, and the club's president and board of directors.

Stockton Bowling Club works hard to support the local Stockton community. It lends out its bowling greens to local community groups and schools, features live music acts two to three times a week, hosts countless local groups and club events in the clubhouse free of charge, and sponsors a number of local sporting teams.

In August, I had the honour of bowling the first bowl to kick off the club's centenary celebrations. This week-long series of events highlighted the success of the club's 100 years of continual operations and all things that are good about local sporting clubs and the contributions they make to our communities. Thank you, Gordon, the board of directors, employees and club members for your ongoing commitment to the Stockton community. May the next 100 years be even better.

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