Raising a glass for Condong

By Jonathon Howard

CONDONG BOWLS Club chairman

David Cranwell took a “heartbreaking” photo of his beloved club while it was submerged in about eight feet of water during the 2022 flood.

Mr Cranwell formed part of the enormous clean-up effort at the club over the past 12 months, led by Warren Peart.

“There’s so many members I could mention who helped in the clean-up, but the one that stands out the most is Warren, he was the driving force in rebuilding Condong Bowls Club,” he said.

Mr Cranwell said he was pleased with the club’s refurbishment and members are now attempting to flood-proof the club in anticipation of the next one.

“We’re a resilient team here, as are many of the Condong residents, and while we can’t prepare for every disaster, we band together when the going gets tough,” he said.

“We stick together to ensure the Condong Bowls Club lives on for the community.

“The club has been a part of the community for more than 70 years and our members will ensure it continues for the next 70 years.”

Mr Cranwell said flood insurance is not possible for the club.

“To provide insurance for this club would cost around $100,000 per year, which is unfeasible,” he said.

“Instead, we have to prepare as much as possible and simply start the clean-up when it does hit.”

Mr Cranwell wanted to heap praise on neighbouring clubs for coming to the aid of Condong.

“The help came from as far as Port Macquarie (Port City) to Cabarita Bowls Club,

Kingscliff Bowls Club, Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads Bowls Club and Murwillumbah Services Club,” he said.

“The board would like to extend a big ‘thank you’ to those clubs, along with members, who came to the aid of Condong Bowls, we will always remember that help.”

Condong Bowls Club manager Kylie Kerker is now at the helm and was keen to invite locals and visitors in for a frosty one and meal.

“We’re certainly back in action with some new features and plenty of bowling back on the greens,” she said.

“We are pleased to announce the amazing team from Take a Break Cafe has taken over catering at Condong Bowls, with some delicious food now known as JT’s Kitchen every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 5.30pm to 8pm.

“We also host a members badge draw