






We are very lucky to be living on the Bellarine Peninsula, and I know our summer is among the absolute best anywhere in the world. Certainly, the rain of late has made us a little more grateful for the hotter months that are in front of us.
With close to 5,000 members, we are committed to providing a ‘venue of choice’ for all, and would like our community to be proud of their club. Our team has been putting in a power of work in the back half of 2022, and have a state of momentum with eyes firmly on ways in which we can better our members and visitors experiences.
The continuation to connect with our community has never been a stronger focus, as we endeavour to stack a calendar of events for our community with live music, entertainment, members promotions, mega draws, barefoot bowls, and community events.
I am excited about our prospects heading into 2023. Our sport is moving in a positive direction and I know we will continue to build on the memorable experiences to keep growing and thriving. In 2023, we
will be launching our new 5-year Strategic Plan, preparing for an exciting new precinct redevelopment, and strengthening our community connection. I am confident through collaboration with our members and partners, we will add greater value to our community than ever before. The real work begins now.
With current visitation equalling 2019, we are genuinely thankful for everyone who has returned time after time. We cannot be prouder of our team who continue to be better every day and embracing change to deliver on our commitment to our members. Our amazing team create the vibe.
It’s an exciting time for OGBC and there is much to look forward to in 2023. Your continued support and loyalty is forever appreciated.
On behalf of our board and team, we wish our community, members and partners a very Merry Christmas!!
Enjoy this special time with your close family and friends, and we look forward to seeing you soon at OGBC.
Take care.
“
“ On behalf of our board and team, we wish our community, members and partners a very Merry Christmas!!
Officer
Nathan O’Neill
GM
Briahna Telford
CONTRIBUTORS
Norm Thomas
GENERAL ENQUIRIES enquiries@oceangrovebowls.com.au
FUNCTIONS functions@oceangrovebowls.com.au
BOWLS matt@oceangrovebowls.com.au
EVENTS anna@oceangrovebowls.com.au
ACCOUNTS janine@oceangrovebowls.com.au
BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS matt@oceangrovebowls.com.au
Ocean Grove Bowling Club Inc. 18 The Terrace Ocean Grove Victoria 3226 Australia
ABN: 72 723 083 363 www.ogbc.com.au
Ocean Grove Bowling Club acknowledges the Wadawurrung people as the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging, recognising that these lands have always been places of storytelling.
On November 1952 the Ocean Grove Progress Association held a public meeting to investigate forming a bowling club, believing that it would prove a valuable asset to Ocean Grove. Positive response led to the formation of a committee which met for the first time on January 26th 1953. Of the Committee members, only one had bowled before.
The aspiring club had no land no equipment and no money. Finance was obtained by the issue of 400 redeemable debentures at £5 each.
On November 20th 1954 Ocean Grove Bowling Club was officially opened by the Royal Victorian Bowls Association.
In those years, land had been found and purchased, cleared and levelled, fenced and connected to water and power.
Greens had been formed and sown, ditches built and all kinds of equipment investigated and purchased. In the three weeks before the opening the clubhouse had been built.
Those two years seemed like a continuous working bee interspersed with frequent committee meetings. So much could be achieved in such a short time by few people, is a testament to the foresight, drive and continued effort by our founding members.
To give notice of that first 1952 public meeting, the Progress Association distributed a flyer entitled “Let’s put Ocean Grove on the map”
Past and present Management and Members have certainly done that!
Norm ThomasTyson has wasted no time in finding his feet within the club and will be working closely with our GM Bowls Development, Matt Flapper.
“The position of Bowls Coordinator at Ocean Grove Bowling Club is an amazing opportunity for me to kickstart a career in bowls. This position is something I thought I’d only ever dream of. Previously knowing Matt Flapper and few of the OGBC members definitely helped. It seems like a great club with a wonderful group of members and I knew it was an environment I wanted to be a part of. This has become evident within my first two weeks at the club. Not only with my fellow staff, but the members have also been very friendly and welcoming. This has made my transition into the role a dream”.
Tyson was recently named again for the second year in a row in the Australian Jackaroos pathway squad and has long term goals to one day represent Australia in the Commonwealth Games.
Our GM Bowls Development, Matt Flapper, said “I had the privilege to be part of Tyson’s journey through Victorian U18 Bowls. He is a young man that just loves bowls. His passion, excitement and energy he brings will be a great addition to our club both on and off the green. I am really looking forward to watching him grow in the role whilst still helping him push towards his goals on the green”.
On behalf of all OGBC Members and Team, Welcome Tyson!
Tyson Cromie, Bowls CoordinatorItseemslikeagreatclubwithawonderful group of members and I knew it was an environment I wanted to be a part of.
On Tuesday the 1st of November OGBC held Yves by Robert Oatley presents: Melbourne Cup Carnival at OGBC.
This was the first of many big events to be held at OGBC after Covid shutting everything down – and it is great to be back.
The races were on all TV’s, we had a sweep and raffle tickets with great prices. Ladies dressed to impress with beautiful dresses and gorgeous head pieces everywhere –the room was buzzing!!
I am incredibly proud of our OGBC team pulling this event off! It was our first ticketed event through external platform, Eventbrite, and it was a huge success! We successfully served 200 meals, which included beautiful pre-ordered antipasto platters, mouth-watering lunches and we poured what seemed like a million of glasses of Yves sparkling wine with strawberries. We had nothing but smiles and positive feedback all day.
I would like to use this opportunity to thank everyone that came and made the day what it was. Thank you for passing on your wonderful feedback, it’s been great to pass onto our team.
Here’s to bringing more amazing events to the Bellarine Peninsula!
On Wednesday 23rd November we welcomed Kerry O’Keeffe to OGBC. What a fabulous night! Thank you to Kerry and everyone who came. This is one of many great events we will be showcasing to the Bellarine Peninsula. Follow us on socials and watch this space for more events! facebook.com/OGBC2 instagram.com/oceangrovebowls oceangrovebowls.eventbrite.com
At this event, we will continue where we left off: enjoying food and drinks, listening to live music, dancing and celebrating our love for OGBC even moreso in the new year.
Tickets are $55 per person
What’s included:
• 2 Course Meal
• A complimentary glass of Yves Premium Cuvee by Robert Oatley
• Live entertainment by Slyde Back
• Photo booth capturing all your special memories throughout the night
So who’s allowed to go? Anyone who loves OGBC, of course! Whether you’ve been a member since the start or are new in town and heard about us online...this is YOUR party!
Our Courtesy Bus will be running for Ocean Grove Residents from 4:30pm, ensuring your safe arrival and departure from the Club.
Doors open at 6:00pm, with meals served from 7pm.
Book now to secure your spot!
Scan QR code for bookings & ticketing information.
These two local legends are doing a talkshow, what could be better?
Current AFL Geelong Cats stars and 2022 Premiership winners Patrick Dangerfield and Mitch Duncan will be on the panel at OGBC on Wednesday 15th February 2023! They have often expressed that their success is due to a dedicated and passionate group of people around them.
Got a question to ask? Come prepared as there will be questionnaire forms on each table to complete prior to the interview. You’ll hear stories of big wins and bad losses, career highlights, funny stories and memorable mentions.
General Admission - $75 VIP Experience - $105
VIP+ Experience - $135
Doors open at 5:45pm with pre-show entertainment. Alternating two-course meals will be served from 6:45pm and panel interview kicking off at 7:30pm.
Our Courtesy Bus will be running for Ocean Grove Residents from 4:00pm, ensuring your safe arrival and departure from the Club. Call Reception to book, 5255 1540.
With our last talk show event selling out 3 weeks prior to the night, you’ll need to get in early for this one!
Book now to secure your spot!
Scan QR code for bookings & ticketing information.