22 Nov 2016 The Free Press, Kilmore, VIC (General News) THE first stage of refurbishment works on the new synthetic green at Wallan Bowling Club began on Monday, November 14. The project, funded with $100,000 from the state governments Community Sports Infrastructure Fund and $40,000 from the Wallan and District Community Bank, will see a new Greengauge carpet rink laid and in before Christmas. This is a green that is the latest of its kind and will put Wallan on the map, club president Geoff Symons said. This will give the club the flexibility to play bowls 12 months of the year with rain not closing both rinks as it does now with both greens being grass. Greengauge is gaining a strong reputation in the industry with its maximum UV protection, double the standard length fibre, heavier yarn and a more heat resistant colour. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, was on hand last week at the club when work commenced on the 30 year old green. These are very exciting times for the Wallan Bowling Club. It will bring new members through the door with it becoming a year round facility and plans are already in place of how the club can celebrate with the community once the project is complete, Ms Symes said. Grants such as the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund are vital for sporting clubs in regional areas as it is just too difficult to raise these kinds of funds that gives clubs that much needed boost to take them to the next level. The new green will also save money for the club in terms of maintenance and assist them in bringing new players to the club. The Wallan Bowling Club extended their thanks to Federal Member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell, Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, Member for Yan Yean, Danielle Green and the Wallan and District Community Bank for their help in seeing the project come to fruition. Caption Text: Dug in: Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes (centre) with Wallan Bowling Clubs Kerry Page and Geoff Symons, helped start the rink refurbishment last week