Moama Bowling Club (MBC) has been short-listed as a finalist for two award categories in this year’s NSW Clubs & Community Awards.
The awards recognise the enormous contribution NSW clubs make to their communities across a range of areas including arts and culture; welfare and social inclusion; health, sport and environment.
MBC has been announced a finalist in the new category of arts and culture for its support of tourism-related events across the Echuca Moama region including the Riverboats Music Festival, Winter Blues Festival and the inaugural Flavours of Echuca Moama.
The club has also been named a finalist in the welfare and social inclusion category for its work in supporting individuals faced with social, emotional, cultural or financial barriers.
MBC Chief Executive Officer Paul Barnes said it was a great thrill to be short-listed as a finalist in each of the categories given the strong and deliberate emphasis the club placed on supporting these sectors in the Echuca Moama community.
“Each year we look forward to these awards as an opportunity to showcase the many amazing volunteer groups and individuals in our community who are pouring their heart and soul into their passions and into leaving a positive imprint on the social fabric of our wonderful riverside home,” Mr Barnes said.
“As a club we feel incredibly privileged to work along side them – to share their dreams and to help them achieve their goals.
“Our is an inclusive community – a generous and supportive community – and any recognition MBC receives through these awards, is a direct reflection and acknowledgment of the important work carried out by those we serve.”
ClubsNSW CEO Anthony Ball said the 2015 awards had received a record number of entries, which had made the competition tougher than ever.
Across the Riverine and South West New South Wales, six clubs have been named finalists.
“You just have to look at the finalist clubs from the Riverine and South West region of the state to see what a critical role these organisations play in their community,” Mr Ball said.
“I would like to wish the finalists all the best and congratulate them on their innovative, exciting and effective programs that make such a difference to people across New South Wales.”
The 2015 NSW Clubs & Community Awards will be held on 8 May at the Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park, Sydney.
The winners will be decided by an expert judging panel including Australian philanthropist and actress Paula Duncan AM, former Minister for Gaming and Racing Kevin Greene, Centre for Volunteering Chairperson Valerie Hoogstad and former ClubsNSW Deputy CEO Wayne Krelle.
