It’s not screen time – it’s green time – as the students of a Brisbane primary school show their
skills at lawn bowls in a growing program at Capalaba Sports Club as Queensland celebrates Community Club Awareness Week.
Coolnwynpin State School students have been welcomed to the neighbouring Capalaba Sports Club to learn the rules and techniques of lawn bowls to potentially become a Commonwealth Games champion.
Capalaba Sports Club Bowls Manager Darren Kelso said the free program began in 2022 when the club were looking at ways to engage more people in the sport.
“Our goal was to get more people and kids involved in the sport and it’s been great,” Mr Kelso said.
“A lot of parents are feeling that high contact sport is doing damage or they may want their children to spend less time on screens so this gives another alternative – they’re out of the sun, under cover and it is a great alternative for the kids; to get the kids to bond with each other and work in a team environment.”
The program is an example of the countless interactions between Queensland’s community clubs and local groups.
This week, Community Club Awareness Week showcases the work of more than 1200 Queensland community clubs that contribute over $2 billion to the Queensland economy each year.
Three years ago, Coolnwynpin State School was looking beyond the traditional school sports
offerings and the proposal from Capalaba Sports Club to host the students seemed ideal.
Coolnwynpin State School teacher Kimberley Robinson said the program had been a big hit with students really enjoying getting out into the fresh air and learning new skills.
“It’s really good for them to build their teamwork with other students they might not always play with at school and learning new skills in different sports,” Ms Robinson said.
“Capalaba Bowls Club has been bringing some of their best players in as well. Kids get to see it’s not just an ‘old person’s sport’ that there are some younger people playing as well.
“It’s hard to limit screen time particularly with working parents these days and getting them out to play sports is really important for them to keep up their physical activity, their mental wellbeing as well.”
Capalaba Sports Club general manager Nigel de Ryck said the club’s goal was to not only promote bowls to a broader audience but also to give back to the community.
“At Capalaba, we’re driven by the aim of serving our community. If we can give back to the community, especially the children, we’re doing our job,” Mr de Ryck said.
“We’re grateful to our members who help facilitate this program and it’s wonderful to see bright young faces here enjoying the chance to play bowls and learn new skills.
“This club began in 1984 as the Capalaba Lawn Bowls Club so the game has always been at the heart of our connection with the local community.”
Clubs Queensland CEO Kelly Egan praised Capalaba Sports Club as a great example of a club giving to its community.
“Every year, Queensland’s community clubs contribute over $460 million in cash and in-kind support directly to local community groups and organisations,” Mr Egan said.
“This is made possible by four million valued member patrons at over 1,290 community club locations across Queensland. These are driven by the 41,500 incredible volunteers who selflessly give their time and the 24,000 dedicated Queensland community club employees.
“Clubs are important community hubs for social interaction and engagement. Members have a shared sense of values and belonging, strengthening the social fabric and promotes strong community cohesion.
“This Community Club Awareness Week celebrates that contribution.”
