THE five-day NSW BCiB women’s bowls carnival proved a financial boost to the Port Macquarie LGA.
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With 1000 competitors, their supporters and family members and bowls officials converging on the region, the bowls carnival has injected plenty of life into the economy.
The competition ended on Friday with many visitors expected to stay over for the weekend.
The carnival was strategically spread across the area with competition held at bowling clubs in North Haven, Westport, Hibbard, Port City, Wauchope, Lake Cathie and Kew.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council estimated the event injected around $1 million into the local economy.
The carnival is the largest event on the Women's Bowls NSW calendar, and this year the iconic event celebrated its 87th year.
Port Macquarie City Bowling Club hosted the finals on Friday and secretary manager Russell Stockham said the boost in trade at the club was noticeable.
“We went from selling about 50 coffees the previous to selling 550 in just one day last week,” he said.
“Hosting the event – including the finals on Friday – is certainly proving a financial bonus.
“With our renovations currently in full swing, we are also receiving plenty of positive comments about our future ability to participate in carnivals at this level.”
North Haven Bowling Club secretary manager Peter Negus said the club had received tremendous feedback from the bowling fraternity after hosting the welcome dinner.
“The event is great for the area and hosting the welcome dinner helped showcase our club to the state bowlers,” he said.
“It certainly brings people to the area, which I think is a very positive outcome.
“And it is great that bowling clubs from around the area also got the chance to host competitions throughout the five days too.”
He said the club had received positive feedback after hosting the dinner.
peter.daniels@fairfaxmedia.com