Sydney social hub Leichhardt Bowling Club is flush with funds after calling on the community to help rejuvenate its renovation kitty, to splash on the lavatories.
Known locally as the all-familiar The Bowlo, Leichhardt Bowling Club was established in 1923, occupying a sizeable site in Sydney’s densely populated inner west.
The Club is geared to the needs of the populace, sporting manicured greens and one of the largest outdoor spaces in the area, with inspiring sunset views. The dog-friendly beer garden is home to Lily Fields Distilling Co Garden Bar on Saturdays and Sundays, when locals Jennifer and Shannon Hunt offer a cocktail menu, weekly specials and Happy Hour 5-6pm with $10 gin and tonics.
There is also the inner west’s only outdoor children’s playground – said to be officially rated “super cool” by local kids – and a stage that has hosted popular bands, as well as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The Bowlo also caters to functions, welcoming birthdays, anniversaries, kids’ parties and groups, and corporate events.
Despite the club’s successes, its renovation budget was underwhelming and a much-needed look at the loos was looming.
Meeting the challenge came The Bowlo’s trusted ‘loo-tenants’ – Secretary Manager Baz Compton and Chairman Alistair Scott, who was recently honoured with the Inner West Council’s prestigious Amy Large Sports Volunteer Award.
Together they spawned the idea for a ‘Sh*thouse’ fundraiser.
Late May more than 200 guests flocked to the sold-out event, many arriving in their “finest Sh*thouse attire”, joining Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne and Councillor Philippa Scott, who welcomed the crowd and emphasised the vital role the Club plays.
A middle eastern-style feast was served by the club’s new restaurant, Hannah’s Kitchen, accompanied by the award-winning creations of Lily Fields Distilling Co.
Activities for the evening included rounds of trivia, and themed competitions such as lawn bowls –using toilet rolls instead of regular bowls – and a challenge to fly paper planes into a toilet bowl.
There was live music from Bash, punctuated by extensive auctions, selling off bespoke memorabilia including items signed by Olympic champion swimmer Ian Thorpe and a personalised Bowlo jersey, and money-can’t-buy trophies, offering “a schooner a day for the rest of your life” and a secluded meal with Baz and Alistair.
Organisers were hoping to generate at least $20,000, and were pleasantly surprised to reach a final figure north of $35,000.
“We are absolutely blown away by the result,” remarked Scott.
The ebullient slush fund facilitates “a more ambitious face-lift” for the Club’s facilities, “starting with the ladies, of course,” adds Scott.
“You’ve helped us flush away the old and bring in a new era of dunnies,” The Bowlo posted to social media, thanking patrons, staff and volunteers for the outstanding outhouse outcome.
