ABOUT US
Our History
Early 1920s // Where it all began
Mr A.W.P. Olsen, a local Real Estate Agent began inviting people to play bowls at “The Green”, a four rink bowling green attached to his home “Oakdene” at 41 Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena.
May 12th, 1923 // Growing
As interest in playing bowls grew, 36 mainly local residents held a meeting at “The Green” to form the Murrumbeena Bowls Club.
August 5th, 1924 // First AGM
The club’s first Annual General Meeting was held.
1925 // Buying the land
Initially bowls continued to be played at the “The Green” but as membership grew, Mr Galt, one of the Club founders offered to purchase two suitable blocks of land for £770 at the current Blackwood Street site. The Green was completed.
1927 // The Clubhouse
The Clubhouse was built at a cost of £1100.
Late 1980s // Grass Green
The grass green had been in continuous use for over 60 years.
1990 // Synthetic Grass
Murrumbeena Bowls Club became one of the first Victorian bowls clubs to install a synthetic green.
2014 // Synthetic Grass
We liked this type of green so much that by 2014, we had installed our third synthetic green. What’s not to like – we play all year round even under lights.
2021 // Renovations
Significant renovations to Club corporate facilities with support from and thanks to The Dutch Club.
2023 // New Lighting
The Club celebrated its Centenary and upgraded and installed new lighting for the green, thanks to a State Government Grant.
2024 // Upgrades
Replacing all greenside shelters and general club renovations, thanks to a State Government Grant.
Serving the local community
We partner with a variety of local groups such as Rotary, Murrumbeena Community Bendigo Bank, Gary Peer, Care Guidance, Homesafe, Pancake Parlour Chadstone, David Jones Pharmacy, Moss & Maple, Glen Eira Early Years Learning Network, Tatts Bowling Club, Glen Eira Historical Society, MiCare, the Murrumbeena Village Traders Association, the CINC Group and the Dutch Club. We also have close associations with all levels of Government.
THE FUTURE
Our goal is to continue to build on the strong foundations of community partnerships, providing a safe and inclusive place to build local connections and friendships.
With continued promotion of bowls as a sporting activity, we will have an ongoing focus on updating and upgrading our facilities over the next five years and catering for a wide array of functions.