There’s nothing quite like a little friendly rivalry on the bowling green – particularly when someone else is offering the snacks, refreshments and ride home.
Victorian seniors are being invited to grab a “bowls buddy” and head to Middle Park Bowls Club this week, with Uber transforming the Melbourne venue into a free sunset social hub for two afternoons as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival.
The Uber Clubhouse for Seniors will take over the club from 4pm-7pm on Thursday October 8 and Friday October 9, bringing together older Victorians and a companion of their choice for a few ends of lawn bowls, relaxed music, refreshments and, presumably, some extremely serious debate over whose bowl is actually holding shot.
And your buddy doesn’t have to be another seasoned bowler.
Guests can bring a friend, partner, family member or adult grandchild, with the event designed to celebrate lawn bowls as one of those increasingly rare activities where different generations can compete on relatively even terms.
There’ll also be prizes, Uber discount codes, a welcome drink and goodies to take home, with entry free for registered guests.
But behind the fun is a more practical message.
Uber says the pop-up is designed to demonstrate some of the ways technology can help older Australians stay mobile, independent and connected – without requiring them to become tech experts in the process.
Uber support staff will be at the clubhouse to show guests its growing suite of features aimed at older riders, including Simple Mode, which uses larger text and clearer icons, and Family Profiles, which allow family members to arrange and pay for rides on someone else’s behalf.
For those who’d rather not use an app at all, there’s also Call to Ride, which allows passengers to book by speaking to a person on 13-UBER (13 82 37).
Newer features include the ability for passengers to tell drivers how they’d prefer them to signal their arrival – by calling, messaging, honking the horn or flashing the lights – and an optional setting allowing a passenger to let their driver know they’re an older adult.
Uber also says “easy entry” vehicles, with a lower step-in to make getting in and out more comfortable, are due to become available before the end of 2026.
Victorians eligible for the Multi Purpose Taxi Program can use their MPTP subsidy on Uber, while Victorian Seniors Card, Seniors Business Discount Card and Victorian Carer Card holders can access special offers on Uber rides, as well as Uber Eats meal and grocery deliveries.
And after an afternoon spent showing everyone how bowls is really played, getting home shouldn’t be too taxing either.
A dedicated Uber pick-up and drop-off zone will operate outside Middle Park Bowls Club, with staff on hand to help guests arrange their ride.
The Uber Clubhouse for Seniors runs from 4pm-7pm on October 8 and 9 at Middle Park Bowls Club. Entry is free, but each attendee must register in advance through Humanitix.
