Local bowling clubs bring children and community together

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During the April school holidays, thousands of children across Western Australia enjoyed a unique community lawn bowls experience, thanks to local bowling clubs opening their greens to Holiday HQ groups.

Across locations including Thornlie, Armadale, North Beach and surrounding suburbs, more than 2,270 children participated, with many stepping onto a bowling green for the first time. Children learned how to aim for the jack, cheered on their peers and enjoyed being active outdoors in a relaxed, community setting. For many, it quickly became one of the highlights of their school holidays.

Opening local greens to children

The sessions were made possible through partnerships with local community bowling clubs, with members generously opening their facilities and volunteering their time. Many clubs went above and beyond to create welcoming environments, decorating clubrooms and greens and spending extra time guiding activities to make each visit feel special and memorable.

“This was a wonderful example of community coming together for children,” said Natasha Browne, General Manager WA at Junior Adventures Group. “The openness of the bowling clubs and the willingness of older volunteers to get involved made this a genuinely special experience for everyone.”

Learning and connection across generations

A standout feature of the program was the strong intergenerational connection it created. Older community members worked alongside Holiday HQ educators, guiding children through the game and celebrating wins together. The result was a shared learning experience that brought fresh energy into community spaces often led by older volunteers.

At Armadale, six Holiday HQ services came together on the green, while at North Beach, club volunteers were actively involved throughout the day, supporting children and creating an atmosphere filled with encouragement. At Victoria Park, club president Dennis joined children for a game of bowls, creating smiles all round and reinforcing the spirit of community participation. At Thornlie, children from nearby services were warmly welcomed, with educators reporting strong engagement and excitement from the outset.

Why these experiences matter to families

We regularly hear from families that Holiday HQ feels like an extension of their local community. Experiences like this show what is possible when local organisations, community members and children come together around a shared focus on positive, meaningful experiences.

Parents consistently tell us they value OSHC programs that keep children active, outdoors and socially connected, particularly during school holidays when many are balancing work and care. Community lawn bowls offered children a chance to move their bodies, interact face to face and spend time with friends in a way that felt natural and fun.

Part of the Holiday HQ approach

This activity formed part of Junior Adventures Group’s Holiday HQ program, a school holiday offering designed to provide more than care. Holiday HQ focuses on creating meaningful experiences that help children build friendships, explore new interests and feel a strong sense of belonging.

We thank the WA bowling associations, club members and volunteers who shared their spaces, time and welcoming spirit, helping create moments children will remember long after the holidays end.