Chief Executive Officer

All in all the 2021/2022 year has proven to be a most successful one.

With the ever-present threat of COVID hanging over each and every action, in hindsight there was perhaps only a twothree week period where the pandemic directly affected the season.

Ken Pride

The mid-season shut down of in particular the North Beach club was handled extremely well by club officials, with swift and reasoned actions ensuring a return to play in the shortest possible time.

The support given by the majority of clubs to the Government’s requirements also paved the way for a quick return and a safe, secure environment to both play and socialize – well done to all. It would appear the worst is now behind us and although it may be a different world than two years ago, it does give us confidence that we can come together when required for the greater good. FINANICIAL VIABILITY

In a very uncertain year, it was pleasing to note the Association was able to post a surplus of $25,340 after an anticipated deficit in the February 2021 Budget. This was supported by an up and down period for the BWA Investment portfolio, which at the end of the calendar year (2021) was looking very healthy indeed. But as we have seen with various world affairs this promising period has backpedaled in the past six months – as most of our personal superannuation accounts will attest to ! That said the very conservative nature of those investments continue to perform well for the Association and provide a firm financial footing for both now and generations ahead. More detail is shown in the accounts and the

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Director of Finance’s report. GOVERNANCE REVIEW CONTINUES

Much has been communicated about the extensive Governance Review of the Association conducted last year. The review noted a number of areas that needed consideration and as a result the Board has embarked upon updating the BWA Constitution, a refreshed Strategic Plan (2022-2025), a Club Development Plan, plus a full review of the current Committee structures to ensure they meet the requirements of the above documents, both strategically and operationally. A number of club officials have been involved in these processes in order to gain as wide as possible thoughts on the future direction of the Association; many thanks to those officials for their time and energy. It is anticipated that the Strategic Plan will be presented to clubs at the Annual General Meeting in late July. OPEN GENDER & OTHER ISSUES

One of the most significant changes to metropolitan pennant this past year has been the commencement of Open Gender bowls. A legal requirement at the highest levels, the opening up of the competitions for 4th division and under (men) and 3rd division and under (women), allowed for a great many more teams to get on the green, ensuring most with a game either on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. As with any new initiative there were some teething problems, however the Board is committed to continue to broaden the Open Gender opportunities. Following a Metropolitan Club Forum it was very apparent that clubs also want to progress this issue and as a result it will extend to 3rd division and under for the men on Saturday next season. At this time while more data is gathered all other competitions will remain as per 2021/2022. The other important area debated at the Metro Forum was the extreme weather conditions of play. After an unusually hot 2021/2022 summer, changes were required. As a result 2022/2023

will see a “softening” of the extreme weather conditions of play, with men and women to be treated “equally”. These amendments will be shared in detail at the Forum prior to the Annual General Meeting. OUTSTANDING SEASON’S RECOGNIZED

The 2021/2022 season has once again provided a number of well deserving award winners spread across a host of metropolitan and country clubs. The full list is elsewhere in the Report, but some performances should be separately recognized. The ascension of Kathy Gobbart to the BWA Hall of Fame is well deserved and never more evident than her performances this past season with the Country Bowler of the Year, Country Week Singles and Champion of Champion trophies all heading her way. Manning Memorial Bowling Club had an extraordinary year claiming almost every major award. Tuesday Premier League, Thursday and Saturday Premier Leagues all went the way of the club, with both Men’s and Ladies State Singles rounding out a superb year. It rightly culminated in the Metropolitan Club of the Year. Finally, it’s taken a number of near misses but the win of the Connie Hicks Brooch by Lisa Featherby is reward for an outstanding year, where she played off in six major finals – certainly a reward for persistence and practice. On the national stage the Australian titles of Blake Nairn (Singles) and the Mt Lawley team skippered by Mark Masel in the Fours was a great result with several other silver and bronze medals to show for a great few days on the Broadbeach greens. Then the icing on the cake with the announcement that Kristina Krstic will take her place at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in the Jackaroos side. Recently celebrating her 100th test, it has taken a while but all West Aussies are thrilled for our first Games representative since 2006.

LOOKING AHEAD

Much will take place over the next 12 months with the aforementioned Governance Review taking shape, the bedding down of the Strategic Plan, the return of high-performance competition at the much delayed Nationals on the Gold Coast and the continued restructuring of the Open Gender pennant competitions. Participation/Membership and Club Development will remain at the forefront of operations, with some serious discussions to be had on the place of social and corporate bowlers in the system. The current Affiliation Fee Model which is reliant on Membership is broken and a new structure will need to be addressed in the short term to reduce the impost on a declining base of members. My thanks to Staff and Board for navigating the difficulties of the past 12 months so well. Fortunately, our sport was relatively unscathed and as mentioned earlier when challenged came up trumps with swift, decisive actions, with strong support forthcoming from clubs to carry out those requirements. We look forward to 2022/2023 with much anticipation.