‘Backbone’ is a community theatre and arts organisation that has helped thousands of young Brisbane artists shine.

In fact the organisation has worked with nearly 6,000 creatives, engaged with 16,000 youths and performed shows for over 41,000 people.

Backbone performance on the green of the East Brisbane Bowls Club

Their home is the East Brisbane Bowls Club on Lytton Road.

A club that was formed in the early 1900’s.

East Brisbane Bowls Club, 1906 (Source: State Library of Queensland)

While its Lawn Bowl days might be over, the club still plays a significant role in Brisbane’s cultural and arts community.

But plans to redevelop Mowbray Park could spell the demolition of the community club.

The LNP run Brisbane City Council released their plan and part of that is to demolish the Bowls Club and home of ‘Backbone’.

BCC’s Mowbray Park Concept Plan

The proposed plan has sparked significant backlash by the local community.

Deputy Opposition Leader for Brisbane City Council, Cr Kara Cook (Labor), has launched at petition to ‘Save the former East Brisbane Bowls Club and Backbone!

“Backbone is an incredible organisation who has provided a platform for nearly 6,000 young artists and creatives over the last few years and delivered performances to over 41,000 people,” Cr Cook said.

“These are exactly the type of community based organisations we should be supporting and investing in, not destroying.”
“This LNP Council has its priorities all wrong. This decision by the LNP makes it clear that community groups and the arts which are the heart and soul of communities are at the bottom of their priority list.”

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