A Stirling success: Landmark re-development for Perth club
12 years ago, the members of the Stirling Bowling Club (a.k.a. Stirling Adriatic Centre) in Perth, Western Australia had a dream – a dream that is now a reality. 12 years ago, the members of the Stirling Bowling Club (a.k.a. Stirling Adriatic Centre) in Perth, Western Australia had a dream – a dream that is now a reality.
In 1968, a group of people purchased land just north of Perth, and from there the WA Yugoslav Club, now known as the Stirling Adriatic Centre was born.
It was this foresight combined with that of the more recent committees that have now seen a state-of-the-art indoor facility established at the site, safeguarding the future of the club for many years.
The club analysed its position and determined that by selling the land at the back of the club, which housed two of its four greens, they could generate the required dollars to fund the new facility.
With plans to make the indoor green quite large, the club would not suffer any loss of green space as there was room to fit the new facility right alongside the existing clubhouse.
Early last year, it became clear that the project would go ahead and the club went about appointing a Manager to oversee the construction of the facility, and then manage the club into the future, with Perth Suns star John Slavich the man appointed.
“Coming from an automotive background, I was thrust into managing a major construction project”, said Slavich, who is affectionately known as ‘Chevy’.
“I went from working on engine blocks to wearing a hard hat, choosing carpets and assessing lighting requirements.
“What we have now is just amazing, and I am so proud to be a part of it. We have a 10-rink completely indoor carpet green in a temperature controlled environment. So rain, hail or shine, our events will always be on.”
The facility was completed in early January and a Premier League match between Stirling and South Perth was the first major event held on the surface.
“There are some teething issues”, Slavich said.
“We are still working on getting the lighting just right and the carpet needs some stretching, but with such a complex project like this, it is nice to know that the controllable things are the things left to get right.”
While construction was underway, Slavich was focused on getting the message out in the community showing exactly what the club had to offer and did so with Regional Bowls Manager Clive Adams.
Shortly after, the Stirling Bowling Club Facebook page was born, and to launch it, Slavich himself gave viewers a tour of the club, and a preview of what was to come.
Within days, the video had reached thousands of people, and the Stirling Bowling Club was the talk of the town.
“I’ve really enjoyed my involvement with the club so far”, said Adams.
“It shows that if you plan well and then put all the steps in place to make something happen, great things are possible”.
While privately owned, the club is very keen to work with the local council, Bowls WA and Bowls Australia.
The club has a bowls shop, coffee machine and huge clubhouse perfect for hosting community events and functions.
The traditional lamb on a spit is a regular occurrence at events, and the traditional family values of the club are still well entrenched.
Slavich himself has a rich family history at the club, with his mother Roslyn a life member.
She, unfortunately, passed away as the project was nearing completion, but Slavich is very proud that she got to see it coming together.
“Mum nearly got to see it finished”, he said.
“Her spirit will live on through the club that she invested her heart and soul into, for so many years.”
Jack Attack, BPL Cup, Australian Indoor Qualifying and PBA Qualifying are all items well on the agenda for Stirling, as well as community events and opportunities for people to call in and sample the great facilities.
“We’ve got a great setup, now we want people to use it,” Slavich added.
“Perhaps one day we might even see the mighty Perth Suns in action in a Bowls Premier League event right here in Perth.”
Contribution by Clive Adams – Regional Bowls Manager (WA – North/East)
