Why a bitter feud has erupted around a peaceful-looking lawn bowls club in one of Sydney's wealthiest suburbs

By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 11:23, 28 July 2026 | Updated: 11:23, 28 July 2026 A bowling club in one of Sydney's most exclusive enclaves has detailed the heavy toll of becoming the most-complained about venue in the state due to noise issues. Liquor and Gaming NSW recently handed down its decision on a three-year stoush between Diamond Bay Bowling Club and neighbouring residents in Vaucluse. The club was issued a formal warning about noise impacts from live entertainment and patron activity. But the authority stopped short of imposing licence sanctions, ruling the legal threshold for an 'unreasonable and serious disturbance' had not been met. The decision followed an 18-month investigation triggered by 57 complaints lodged by one primary complainant, supported by eight residents. The complainant alleged that excessive noise was heard several times a week from live music, events and patrons at the club. 'The complainant claims the disturbance is from live music, amplified entertainment, DJ sets, amplified bass noise from music, patron noise, and excessive use of woofers and subwoofers which cause vibration to the residential building and infrastructure,' the judgement read. Chairman of directors and bowls club president Steve Cohen told the Daily Mail the club was vindicated by the recent ruling. He hopes it is the end of a long-running saga that he claims was instigated by the primary complainant, who recently sold his apartment in the complex built near the club during the Covid pandemic.  Diamond Bay Bowling Club has been issued with a formal warning regarding noise complaints The club has operated in the ritzy Sydney suburb of Vaucluse for more than 65 years 'It's a big relief and our fingers are crossed that this is the end of the saga,' Mr Cohen said. 'It was a concerted effort by one neighbour who wanted us out of business. 'One of the complaints was the sound of the bowls on the greens. 'We're a small bowling club that became the most complained-about club in NSW.' The ruling noted the club's close relationship with local police and Waverley Council, adding it had actioned all recommendations to meet best practice standards to promote safety and positive relations. 'There were no complaints of drunken disorderliness and we have complied with everything that the police and authorities advised us to do,' Mr Cohen said. Club general manager Neve Storey told the Sydney Morning Herald: 'At one point we felt like we'd become the fun police, shushing customers at 9.30pm on a Saturday just so we didn't inflame the situation any further.' Mr Cohen believed the apartment complex should never have been built next door, adding that the majority who lived there were supportive of the club. The club has spent more than $200,000 on noise mitigation measures and operational changes to reduce the impact of noise One of the complaints made by the primary complainant was the sound of the bowls on the green, according to bowls club president Steve Cohen Should Diamond Bay Bowling Club be doing more to reduce the impact of noise?? What's your view?The club has spent more than $200,000 on noise mitigation measures and operational changes to reduce the impact, along with defending the complaints. The unexpected costs resulted in the club operating in debt for two years while trying to remain financially viable. 'We went from general compliance to state of the art,' Mr Cohen told Daily Mail.  'This has resulted in not spending anything on making improvements to the clubhouse or bowls experience. 'We're still not sure when we will be in the position to make those enhancements.  'We can't survive on bowls green fees and memberships alone.' In his ruling, Liquor and Gaming NSW hospitality and gaming operations director Darren Duke urged Diamond Bay Bowling Club to continue implementing reasonable measures to minimise potential impacts from its operations, including the hosting of events featuring live entertainment and the use of outdoor areas. 'I consider it appropriate to formally remind the club of its obligations to minimise disturbance and ensure the operation of the club does not detract from the amenity of the surrounding community. Chairman of directors and bowls club president Steve Cohen was vindicated by the recent Liquor and Gaming NSW ruling 'The club should be aware that, should further evidence emerge demonstrating a deterioration in amenity or deficiencies in the management of disturbance issues, additional regulatory action may be considered.' Mr Cohen had a plea for residents who still have noise concerns. 'If you have a complaint, let us know - we take all individual complaints seriously,' he said. 'We view ourselves as a vital community asset, and most of the community largely see the club as just that.'