Surf Coast club named among Australia’s best

THE Anglesea Bowling Club has been recognised as one of the best in Australia.

The Surf Coast club was named Small Club of the Year at the 2026 Bowls Australia Hall of Fame and Awards Night in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the sport and community.

Club president Ben Coyle said it was a proud moment for the regional club to be recognised.

“Bowls clubs have been underestimated for what they can bring to a town,” he said.

“I know bowls has a reputation as an older person’s sport, but that’s not the case anymore. A lot of younger people are taking up the sport. It gives them a sense of belonging and creates friendships.”

Coyle and his team have been working to make the bowling club a community hub for Anglesea locals of all ages, opening more often and creating spaces for non-bowlers to come together too.

Coyle accepted the award from Hall of Fame inductee Rebecca Van Asch and used his acceptance speech to thank the volunteers who help make the club such an important part of the Anglesea community.

More than 80 community members volunteer at the club in a variety of roles.

“Volunteers are the cornerstone of every club,” Coyle said. “It’s because of them we actually give a lot more back to our community.

“We give about 30 per cent of our profit back to the community.”

Coyle was cheered on by 20 club members at the awards night, including 16 who had made their way to the Gold Coast to compete in the Bowls Australia Australian Open.

Coyle said he could not be prouder to see so many members from a country club competing on the national stage.

He encouraged anyone interested in the sport, regardless of age or experience, to give bowls a try.