A century of bowls, friendships and survival: Canberra Bowling Club turns 100

Key points

• Canberra Bowling Club in Forrest is marking 100 years. Its first game was played on Christmas Eve 1925 beside Hotel Canberra, and the club was formally established in 1926.
• Members say its independence and social role have kept it going. Former president Dave Kimber says replacing grass greens with synthetic surfaces in 2015–16 helped secure its finances.
• In 2025 the club gave up its poker machine licences. To celebrate, it will hold an open day on Saturday 31 October.