- Published:
- Friday 5 December 2025 at 10:00 am
The Allan Labor Government is delivering major upgrades for Bendigo’s bowls and croquet community, with works on the redevelopment of Bendigo Bowls and Croquet Clubs set to begin.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced that Bendigo-based Searle Bros had been appointed as head contractor for the Bendigo Bowls and Croquet Clubs project.
With more than 90 years in the construction industry, Searle Bros has extensive experience delivering projects across the city, including the Bendigo Tramways expansion and the Larni Garingilang at the Bendigo Botanic Gardens.
The company recently received the Excellence in Commercial Construction award in the ‘2025 Master Builders Association Western Region’ category for its work on the Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate and Community Centre.
The redevelopment includes a refurbishment of four bowling greens – two upgraded with modern synthetic surfaces – two compliant croquet lawns, accessibility improvements across the site, and upgrades to the venue’s iconic bowls clubhouse.
The venue has been home to the Bendigo Bowls Club for more than 100 years. Works are due to begin this month, with completion expected late next year.
The project will create new opportunities to host more lawn bowls and croquet events, with Searle Bros also engaging local suppliers and subcontractors to boost local jobs and support Bendigo businesses.
The redevelopment is being delivered by the City of Greater Bendigo in partnership with the Allan Labor Government. It is one of 16 projects being delivered through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, including three in the Bendigo region.
The other Bendigo projects include major upgrades at Bendigo Stadium and the Bendigo Showgrounds – investments that strengthen local sport and make our communities even better places to live, work, stay and play.
For more information about the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, visit sport.vic.gov.au/rsip.
Quote attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“This investment into Bendigo Bowls and Croquet Clubs will help provide vital sporting infrastructure for the City of Greater Bendigo and surrounding areas and will increase the opportunities for people to participate in these wonderful sports.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“This upgrade will give our bowls and croquet communities the high-quality facilities they deserve and support more local events right here in Bendigo.”
Quotes attributable to Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“These works mean more jobs, better facilities and greater opportunities for local clubs and players across our community.”
Quote attributable to City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince
“This exciting project will provide a redeveloped, multipurpose, inclusive space that will serve older people, women and people who are gender diverse, and the wider community for sporting and community activities.”
“It will also support lasting economic, social, environmental and sporting wellbeing benefits for our local residents.”