By ANNA USHER

It survived the Great Depression, two World Wars and the rise of the internet, but after 122 years, Warringah Bowling Club faces its greatest crisis.

The historic club, a cornerstone of Mosman’s community since 1903, this week entered administration, with its future now hanging in the balance.

According to records lodged with ASIC, the club appointed Olvera Advisors last Friday, four months after Manager Liarne Peek issued an SOS to residents.

“Warringah Bowls Club is hanging on by its fingernails,” she told Mosman Collective at the time.

“If the community could help us by coming in and buying a drink, it would help.

“Things are looking dire for the club – there is no other way to put it … we need a lifeline, and we need it now.”

At the time, Ms Peek revealed the “Bowlo” had sold just 450 beers and 16 coffees in one week, with even the Meat Raffle losing money.

Published records show Club’s operating shortfall in 2023 was $165,715, followed by a $45,677 deficit in 2024. There is no available data for 2025.

With real estate agents already circling, concerns are growing that the 5,366sqm site could be re-zoned and declared a State Significant Development (SSD), potentially fast tracking residential development.

One of Sydney’s best-known property developers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said administrators may be free to “dispose” of the historic club to pay creditors. If sold, he said the prime parcel could fetch between $45 and $55 million.

“One option would be to sell site to a developer, who may seek a concurrent State Significant Development (SSD) application and re-zoning,” he said.

“You could potentially see the site go from RE2 to R3, with new apartments built on Bradleys Head Rd.

“Until this year, zoning in suburbs like Mosman has been sacrosanct – but not anymore.”

A Call to Action for Mosman

Warringah Bowling Club is more than a sporting club. It’s one of the last remaining communal venues in Mosman – publicly accessible, family (and dog) friendly, heritage-rich and deeply embedded in our local fabric.

Here’s how residents can help:

• Visit the Venue: Every coffee, drink and meal directly supports the club.
• Become a Member: Memberships are just $20/year.
• Use the Space: For kids birthday parties or social gatherings.
• Attend Events: Weekly Trivia, Mahjong, Line Dancing or Bridge.
• Share this story: Encourage friends, neighbours and family to get involved.

Without everyone’s urgent support, Mosman risks losing not just a club – but part of our history.

Visit the Warringah Bowling Club HERE (and book a table for dinner!).