Bowled over at local charity day

THE annual Torquay Lions Billy Ryan Bowls Charity Day has raised funds for two local fire brigades.

Torquay Bowls club hosted 30 teams last Friday (April 5), raising more than $12,000 for the Torquay and Bellbrae Fire Brigades.

Torquay fire brigade captain Murray Middleton said they were “bowled over”.

“The money raised will help us with vital equipment needed to fight fires and keep our community safe,” he said.

“CFA members are volunteers who give their time so we can all feel safe. we are extremely grateful for the community’s support.”

The Torquay brigade entered three teams into the competition and will use the money raised for special light weight carbon fibre breathing apparatuses.

The Bellbrae brigade is set to install fans and an exhaust fan for their station.

The bowls charity day has been an annual event since 2016 and over the years has raised a total of $60,000 for the local community.

In past years the Lions have raised money for the Royal Childrens Hospital, SES, Foundation 61 and more.

Lions club president Brian Keane said the whole club was behind the charity day.

Along with a day of bowls the event also included three raffles and a silent auction, with all prizes donated by the local community.

“Our members called on some 200 local Torquay traders, asking for any support they could provide, such as gifts, vouchers, or cash,” Mr Keane said.

“We also received large donations from our long-term major sponsors Champions Blinds, McCartney Real Estate, and Roy Morris and Co. Lawyers.

“The generosity of our town’s businesses was overwhelming, and we raised thousands of dollars.”

The competition included three rounds of 10 ends with four players per team.

The winning team included Skip Michael Wake, Third Don Mariager and Lead Lindsay Harrington.

The charity day is named after Lion and bowler Billy Ryan who passed away in July 2022.