CEO REPORT Ocean Grove Bowling Club Redevelopment Reaches Key Milestones Ahead of September Opening

I am pleased to report that Ocean Grove Bowling Club’s major redevelopment continues to gather strong momentum, with our grand opening scheduled for early September 2025. Since we turned the first sod in October last year, we have made significant progress towards delivering one of Victoria’s most impressive undercover bowls and entertainment precincts.

To mark this milestone, we are planning a fourday Grand Opening Event Series from 11–14 September 2025. This will include a Gala Event on Saturday 13 September to officially showcase the venue to our members, dignitaries and industry leaders. On Sunday 14 September, we will host a Free Family Fun Day featuring live music, barefoot bowls, a come-and-try day, face painting, a magician, coffee van and plenty of familyfriendly entertainment.

This redevelopment is more than just bricks and mortar - it is laying the foundation for a bold new era for our Club, strengthening our role in community engagement, major event delivery and regional tourism. I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made so far, and of the dedication shown by our project partners in bringing this vision to life. This project will elevate Ocean Grove Bowling Club to new heights — not just as a sporting venue, but as a place where people connect and celebrate.

We recently reached a major milestone with the roof canopy for our new 16-rink undercover facility now complete — a defining feature that really shows the scale and quality of this worldclass development. The next critical phase is about to begin, with installation of our two new synthetic greens commencing in the week of 21 July.

These milestones mark an exciting turning point as we move closer to completion and prepare to deliver a venue that will be a true centrepiece for the Bellarine region. Visible progress continues every week, with recent works including the completion of exposed aggregate concrete around the perimeter, as well as the installation of glazed panels and louvres that are bringing our architectural vision to life. The framework for our two 4.5 metre digital screens is now in place, promising an immersive experience for players and spectators alike. Accessibility and safety have also been further enhanced, with new handrails and balustrades installed along the western elevation.

I am extremely grateful for the continued support and patience shown by our members and the wider Ocean Grove community throughout this transformative journey. Your encouragement over the past twelve months has played a vital role in making this project a reality.

With construction now entering its final stages, we look forward to welcoming you all into this exciting new chapter for our Club - one that will be defined by innovation, inclusivity and stronger community connections.

Nathan O’Neill Chief Executive Officer