Brothers Sports Club steps in to maintain Burnett Bowls Club’s vital community presence
18 March 2026
Brothers Sports Club Bundaberg is pleased to announce the acquisition of the property at 169B George Street, Bundaberg West, a licensed venue currently operating as Burnett Bowls Club. The official handover will take place on March 23, 2026, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of Bundaberg’s long-standing community venues.
As part of the transition, the licensed venue will be rebranded as ‘The Bowlo Bundaberg’, signalling a new and prosperous era focused on outstanding food and beverage options, great entertainment options and strong community connection.
Steven Straub, President of Brothers Sports Club Bundaberg, said the acquisition was about protecting an important piece of Bundaberg’s sporting and social history.
“Burnett Bowls Club has been part of the fabric of the Bundaberg community since 1947. Our goal is to honour that proud history while ensuring the venue has a strong and sustainable future,” Mr Straub said.
“Lawn bowls is a fantastic community sport and we’re committed to supporting it long into the future. By maintaining the three greens and working closely with bowlers with a commitment to future facility improvements, we’re ensuring the sport continues to thrive at this site.”
Brothers Sports Club has a strong track record of revitalising community venues, most recently with the successful acquisition of Woodgate Beach Club in September 2024. With this latest addition of The Bowlo Bundaberg, Brothers Sports Club plans to expand its membership benefits to all three venues. Current financial members of Burnett Bowls Club will join the 47,000-strong member base of Brothers Sports Club and Woodgate Beach Club.
The Bowlo Bundaberg will continue to offer its existing services, including a 70-seat restaurant, large sports bar, live entertainment and 12 gaming machines. Brothers Sports Club takes over responsibility for catering operations from March 23 from the current leased operation.
Ross Dowd, General Manager of Brothers Sports Club Bundaberg, said the venue would enter an exciting new era as The Bowlo Bundaberg.
“To enhance the experience for members and guests, trading hours will expand,” said Mr Dowd. “The Bowlo Bundaberg will operate Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm, with extended trading on Friday and Saturday evenings.
“The Bowlo Bundaberg will build on the strong foundations already in place while introducing the high standards of food, service and entertainment that Brothers Sports Club is known for.
“Importantly, we’re also pleased that all existing staff have been offered positions within our organisation. That means familiar faces will remain, which is important for members and the community.”
The acquisition follows a period of financial uncertainty for Burnett Bowls Club, with both organisations recognising a shared vision for the venue’s future. The proposal was presented to Burnett Bowls Club members and received resounding support for Brothers Sports Club to acquire the property, operate the venue and strengthen support for lawn bowls at the site.
Burnett Bowls Club Inc. will continue operating as a bowls club at the George Street site, becoming the 14th affiliated sporting entity of Brothers Sports Club, strengthening the organisation’s long-standing support of local community.
To create a hub for lawn bowls at The Bowlo Bundaberg, Brothers Bowls Club will soon relocate and share the facility with Burnett Bowls Club, establishing Brothers Sports Club as one of the largest supporters of lawn bowls in the state.
The purchase follows Brothers Sports Club’s strategic acquisition of its own freehold property in May 2023, followed by the successful addition of Woodgate Beach Club the next year. These milestones highlight the commitment of the club’s committee and management team to extend the organisation’s positive impact throughout the region.
“With a focus on improving financial performance, enhancing the customer experience and strengthening community engagement, we believe the future is incredibly bright for this Bundaberg icon,” said Mr Straub.
“We are hoping many locals head to The Bowlo from our March 24 first day of trade.”
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