Mr McCarthy said the club took the opportunity to dig up two of its three greens during the off-season and is confident of having them re-opened for the pennant season starting next month.

"Since taking up my position [in September] the focus has been to invest substantially on the three greens," he said.

"We are setting up this club to have the best greens in the district."

With more than 200 bowls members and some 6000 club members, Nelson Bay has strengthened its position as a community-based facility and supporter of social and sporting groups.

"Quality customer service is an important ingredient for clubs to survive in this day and age.

"We have around 40 staff here and we need to look after our members to ensure those jobs are secure."

Born and bred in Port Macquarie, Mr McCarthy, a married father of three, worked his way from picking up glasses at the local RSL to general manager following stints at Forster and Griffith before landing in Nelson Bay.

"I achieved that through hard work and a love for the industry."