Club innovations bring about membership rise

CLUBS in the south-west have seen a 42 per cent membership boom over the past decade, ClubsNSW said last week.

St Johns Park Bowling Club chief executive David Marsh said this was because of their changing image.

"In the last year we've had an 18 per cent increase because we're focusing on traditional values," he said.

"We've become more family-friendly, offering good value for money, family activities and school-holiday programs."

The club's membership increased from 15,445 in February last year to 18,359 this year.

ClubsNSW chief executive Anthony Ball said indoor smoking bans five years ago had played a major role in membership growth.

"Many clubs saw the smoking ban as an opportunity to build dedicated play areas for children, as well as offer more family-friendly dining options and special events and regular activities that appeal to a wide range of the community," he said.

"Also, with electricity prices and general cost of living on the rise, locals have clearly indicated their view that clubs are where they feel most comfortable."

Mr Ball said there would be further smoking restrictions from 2015.