We're thrilled to unveil our plans for a venue accessibility update - the most significant upgrade since 1972! As a non-profit club, we're embarking on this journey through grants, fundraising, sponsorships, and community support. And to kick off our fundraising efforts, we threw one hell of a party!  Sham Fest is a weekend-long FREE music festival that happened on Saturday, April 6th and Sunday, April 7th and featured some of our favourite local live music acts!

 

Inspired by the vibrant festivals of Newtown and Marrickville, Sham Fest blends Petersham's unique flavour into the mix. Sham Fest marks the beginning of our mission to ensure everyone in our community can fully enjoy our club for years to come.

 

Inclusivity lies at the heart of Sham Fest. We collaborated with the local deaf community to provide live music Auslan interpretation, with Gig Buddies volunteers onsite to chat to and the result was two days of incredible live music, sea shanty singing, line dancing, lawn bowls, Finska games, and more!

 

Sham Fest '24 is just the beginning, made possible with support from Inner West Council, Philter Brewing, Gig Buddies, and Yeah Rad. Since our establishment in 1896, Petersham Bowling & Recreation Club has been a cornerstone of our community. Despite challenges over the years, we've stood strong, embracing creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity.

 

From rebuilding our club with a new board in 2006 to thriving as a vibrant, poker machine-free community hub today, we owe it all to the dedication of our volunteer Board, staff, and the unwavering support of our community. 

 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-petersham-bowling-club-become-accessible

​

Check out the gallery below and save the date for Sham Fest '25!

​

​

​

​