JULY 2023

THE SHERRIFF DOES IT AGAIN!

U-18 TRI-SERIES AGAINST NSW & VIC

“AUTISM IS MY SUPERPOWER!” SAYS YOUNG TAYLOR

CONTENTS

Australian Open Men’s Singles Champion for the fifth time, Aron Sherriff.

5 – World Bowls Championships

VALE BOB FRASER

We pay tribute to Robert (Bob) Fraser who passed away last month

23 DEVELOPMENT

Editor: Jo Grey

Editorial Assistant: Dee Ayre

Reporters/Photographers: Kelsey Cottrell

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club news

Catch up on news from clubs across Queensland

Matt Prain claims club champion title for nine consecutive years

34 COACHING

The etiquette of bowls - Part 1

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Bowls Queensland Patron: Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland

Coming Up

Photo: Bowls Australia

Micheal Sorrensen reports on BA teaming up with Invictus

TARA’S MATT WINS 9TH CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

8 – Darra Cementco & Mancel College On A Roll

Joan Brotherton discusses more on the new laws of bowls

From the President with BQ’s Peter Williamson

The Queensland Under-18 Boys and Girls sides will, on the 3-5 July, contest a Tri-Series against NSW and Victoria at Cabramatta Bowls Club. We have a number of new faces in the sides and I am sure they will enjoy their time at the series and come away having experienced bowls at a higher level.

Well, like all who play our great game, it was extremely pleasing to see World Bowls has pulled the pin on laws (stopping a bowl Law 37) that have been plaguing the game since its inception and causing angst in State events.

It is that time of year when club and district Constitutions should be reviewed to ensure they are still compliant and will still serve the purpose intended.

Closure of sporting clubs throughout Queensland was discussed at a meeting the CEO and I attended, called by the Hon Stirling Hinchliffe, Minister for Sport and Tourism Industry Development.

Our discussion outlined the need for clubs to engage the wider community to use the clubs as another source of income. Clubs can talk with their local council on grants and what assistance is available to them under council leasing for upgrade to facilities.

Peter Williamson

COMING UP! WORLD BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The World Bowls Championships will run from August 29 to September 10, 2023, across five Gold Coast host clubs: Broadbeach Bowls Club; Club Helensvale; Club Musgrave; Mudgeeraba Bowls Club & Paradise Point Bowls Club. Save the date and go and cheer for our Queenslanders as they take on the world’s best!

Queenslanders in the Right at Home Jackaroos 2023 World Bowls Championships Squad:

• Lynsey Clarke, Club Tweed: Previous World Championships appearances: 2 (Champion: 2008 fours & team, 2012 triples & team)

• Kelsey Cottrell, Club Helensvale: Previous World Championships appearances: 3 (Champion: 2008 team, 2012 pairs & team, 2016 fours & team)

• Aron Sherriff, Broadbeach Bowls Club: Previous World Championships appearances: 3 (Champion: 2012 fours & team)

• Serena Bonnell, Club Tweed: Debut

• Cheryl Lindfield, Mt Gravatt Bowls Club: Debut

• Damien Delgado, Club Tweed: Debut

• Jake Fehlberg; Director: Cody Fehlberg, Bargara Bowls Club: Debut

First held in Australia in 1966, the World Bowls Championships have been held every four years. From 2008, the men’s and women’s events were held together. Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded in each of the four disciplines (singles, pairs, triples and fours), and there is also a trophy for the best overall team; the Leonard Trophy for men and the Taylor Trophy for women.

This year, the 2023 World Bowls Championships will break new ground as the first in the tournament’s glittering history to stage para-bowls events within its program. This further enhances the diversity and inclusion of bowls, and continues to place bowls in the top echelon of inclusive sports across the globe.

CEO REPORT

with BQ’s Brett Wilkie

Come & Try Month – October

All clubs are encouraged to support Bowls Queensland’s Come & Try month of October by holding some form of event at your club as part of a State-wide push to entice new people to try our sport.

This could be an Open Day, Barefoot Bowls Session, Bring a Friend Day, Bring a Relative, Family Fun Day, Community Day, fancy dress theme or whatever you may like to call it that would be popular in your area. Your local RBM will be happy to assist if needed.

Bowls QLD will provide promotional material to assist clubs if they would like to utilise it. Information was distributed to clubs in June. These days, clubs need all members to get behind them by inviting their friends and family to come along, also by volunteering to assist on the day.

Australian Indoor Singles, QLD Qualifying

Well done and good luck to our QLD qualifiers Chloe Stewart, Roger Stevens and Adam McKeown who have won through to the Australian Indoor Singles at Club Tweed from 14-17 August.

the first time this event has been played as a tri-series and will be live streamed on Bowls NSW Facebook and YouTube.

QLD vs NSW Test Series

Congratulations to all selected in the Open, U25 and 40-59 Men’s and Women’s Queensland Teams to take on NSW. This three-test series will be played at Club Tweed on Tuesday 18 & Wednesday 19 July. This will be live streamed on Bowls QLD Facebook and YouTube with links on the Bowls QLD Website. The first two tests will be played on Tuesday and the third test on Wednesday morning. Thank you to Club Tweed for sponsoring this event. Make sure you come down to Club Tweed and cheer on the QUEENSLANDERS!!

Secondary Schools Cup

Thank you to the many clubs who are running school bowls sessions to get an entrant into our State Finals at Club Pine Rivers on 23 & 24 August.

QLD Multi Disability Championships

This event will be held at the Souths Suburban and Mackay City Bowls Clubs from 7 - 10 August 2023.

National Development Series

Four squads of Bowls Australia Pathways Program athletes from across the country will do battle in this event from July 11-13 at the Broadbeach Bowls Club.

Vale Robert (Bob) Fraser

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Robert (Bob) Fraser OAM, RQBA/Bowls Qld/Caboolture District Life Member. Bob was involved with bowls for almost 60 years. R.I.P Bob.

We pay tribute to Bob on page 13 of this issue.

Australian Open

Congratulations to all the medallists in their respective events. Well done to Bowls Australia, all host clubs and their volunteers on another memorable event on the Gold Coast.

QLD vs NSW & VIC U18 Tri-Series

Congratulations to all selected in the U18 QLD Girls’ and Boys’ Teams. Eight players of each gender will contest this series for each State from Monday 3 to Wednesday 5 July at Cabramatta Bowls Club in Sydney. Six rounds will be played over the three days in singles, pairs, triples and fours disciplines. This is

Vale Felix Purcell

Bowls Queensland was sad to hear about the passing of BQ Coach Felix Purcell. Felix was an integral part of the State Coaching Committee, as well as being involved at club and district level. R.I.P Felix.

Coaching Committee Co-ordinator, Alan Thorp, pays tribute to Felix on page 20 of this issue.

Brett Wilkie

Roger Stevens Chloe Stewart

Adam McKeown

Joint effort from Mancel College & Darra CementCo

Mancel College is a specialist Prep to Year 12 school for students with Language Disorder (Developmental Language Disorder or Language Disorder associated with other diagnosis such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or Down Syndrome).

Coordinator of Co-Curricular at Mancel College, Victoria Venter, said students at the college relish the opportunity to compete in interschool sport as much as their peers.

“However, due to their language disorder and the additional time they need to process sensory input, alongside difficulties with conceptual understanding, many students find traditional competitive sports quite overwhelming,” Victoria said.

“It can be hard to keep up with their peers, but despite the barriers they face, the students are resilient, courageous and capable,” she said.

“As the Coordinator of Co-Curricular, I am passionate for our students to become involved in competitive and representative school sport in an accessible way for them.”

When Micheal Sorrensen from Bowls Australia invited schools to nominate students for the Bowls QLD Secondary Schools Cup, Victoria was keen to get involved.

“Unbeknownst to me at the time, Mancel College principal, Peter Foster, had a personal connection with Darra Cementco Bowls Club parent Tammy Baart, who was heavily involved at the club with her son, Taylor,” she said.

Micheal met with club secretary Peter Gilbert and Tammy to see if they would take Mancel College students under their wing and the collaboration was quickly established.

A small, yet enthusiastic group of year 9-12 students visit the club for training sessions with the members every Monday afternoon.

“From the moment the students arrived at the Darra Cementco Bowls Club, they were given such a warm and hospitable welcome from the club coaching team and long-standing members,” she said.

“These wonderful people took such a keen interest in our students, and over several weeks, slowly and patiently taught them the basics of the sport.

“As a result of this, our students took to it like a duck to water and progressed in leaps and bounds!”

Victoria was quick to point out the inclusion of bowling arms at the training sessions.

“These fantastic aids allow students to build self-confidence by improving their accuracy and technique,” she said.

The Darra Cementco Bowls Club is committed to providing the students with a positive experience fully inclusive of

their individual needs, which is arguably the key to increasing resilience and fostering a lifelong love of sports and recreation.

Victoria said that Mancel College students and staff appreciate, and are committed to, making the most of this collaboration.

“We hope to continue to develop our students’ skills to a level which will allow them to compete against other schools in the future,” she said.

“Perhaps even in the Secondary Schools Cup one day... Watch this space!”

Thanks to Victoria Venter from Mancel College for her story and photos of the students in action at Darra Cementco Bowls Club.

Taylor THRIVING AT DARRA CEMENTCO

In August 2022, Tammy Baart (Taylor’s Mum) sent the following text to Darra Cementco Bowls Club:

“Hi, my 11 year old son is interested in playing lawn bowls and learning how to play competitively. Is there an opportunity to play and try out first if he likes it or not?”

Taylor had expressed interest in lawn bowls to his mum for approximately a year, but Tammy wanted to determine if it was a fleeting interest or phase.

Taylor clearly did his homework prior to having Tammy reach out, as he had compiled a list of three clubs (in order of interest) and provided a pros and cons for each club on top of three reasons why and how lawn bowls would benefit him.

We at the club were obviously happy to have him, so down he came. Tammy advised us that he had been infatuated with bowls for the past year, had done heaps of research and decided that Darra was the club he wanted to go to. This was pretty amazing, since our website at the time was way out of date!

She also told us that Taylor was autistic and asked if that mattered. Autism was a word many of us down at the bowls club had heard of before but had not had a true understanding of what it meant.

Tammy detailed that most sports (unintentionally) are not very inclusive of people with additional needs.

Taylor had tried little athletics, AFL and soccer previously as his parents know and understand the importance being part of a community which values health, and that wellbeing is not just for the body, but mind too.

Taylor in action, proudly sporting his club uniform

Tammy was aware that lawn bowls was a sport that allowed Taylor access and removed barriers such as physical athleticism (common among boys his age), sensory overload and was both an individual and team sport ensuring he was able to have a support person (if required).

For his trial, our Games Director (at that time Allan Rigney) took him out on the green and went through the basics with him. It is safe to say that he wasn’t one of those people who was a natural at the game, but the thing that made him stand out to us was his pure determination to get better. We had two coaches primarily working with him, plus many other people who offered their support and encouragement. He slowly got better at bowls.

Tammy informed us that during those first few weeks, she had never seen him so engaged in a sport. Although his anxiety was heightened due to trying something new, he was often heard talking about his time at the club at home. This is something that had never translated with any other sport or activity he had tried. Taylor’s interest had been spiked!

Bowls has made a difference is Taylor’s life.

When Taylor first turned up at the club, he wouldn’t say boo to anybody and wouldn’t speak to anyone. But, over time, he slowly became more comfortable, especially when his parents wouldn’t ask a question which Taylor wanted answered and made him ask himself.

Now he dumps his parents at the door and sits at a table with “the players” and talks up a storm – or asks two million questions! This is significant for his development as he now has the confidence to act independently outside of his home, and is something which is translating to other aspects of his life.

Because Taylor was ‘different’ he was bullied a lot at school and other sports, but down at bowls he is just accepted and celebrated for who he is. He shared my [Peter Gilbert] car with a couple of other players on the way to GR8 competitions and the guys in the back were just stunned listening to him and in awe of his knowledge of bowls. Taylor spends much of his down time researching the history of lawn bowls, types of bowls and their lines as well as anything else he can sink his teeth into. It’s fair to say that his research skills have improved too.

Taylor is doing well at school – bowls has given him much more confidence and increased his self-esteem. This is reflected in his general behaviour and school work. Not long after starting bowls, he told his mum he feels like he’s really found somewhere where he belongs - a place where he can be ‘him’ without the worry of people not understanding his needs.

“Autism is my superpower” – these are the words Tammy has often said to Taylor throughout his bowls journey. In previous activities, his autism has held him back, but suddenly he found a sport where, when he could harness it, he could use his strengths as an advantage. Too many people just think of autism as ‘Rainman’ (the movie) – it is far more complicated than that. Taylor loves repetition and has an uncanny ability to focus on a task for many hours on end. While he’s always struggled to find a niche for this skill set, it certainly is an asset on the green.

One of Taylor’s greatest joys is to come down to the club on a Saturday and help to open the club – set up the tills, poker machines, the ATM, restock the drinks, fans, lights and doors. He has become so proficient at it that the guys who usually open now just sit and read the paper.

Having both been athletes, Taylor’s parents know how important sport is in teaching many skills far beyond the competition arena such as planning, organisation and discipline. Taylor’s keenness to be involved in all aspects of the club has really increased his literacy, numeracy, social interactions and the ability to try new things as a result of the mentorship of both his coaches and Darra members.

He has a wonderful support network of his parents (Tammy and Nathan), his younger sister Indianna, and his grandparents (Harry and Rhonda). The whole family are regular attendees at practice and games and enjoy seeing Taylor thrive on the green and now in more aspects of life.

The link with Mancel College

Tammy was a former school Deputy Principal who left the school system to become a consultant. While attending a function, she caught up with her old boss Peter Foster, who was now the Principal of Mancel College. Having worked together for many years, their conversations have always been about family and so an update occurred as to how Taylor was going.

Tammy couldn’t hold back on how proud she was in the development of Taylor as a person, how he had come out of his shell and how much he had changed (for the better) as a result of bowls. Over a few months, Peter followed Taylor’s journey more closely and was impressed. Peter then asked if the bowls club would be interested in providing bowls as an activity for Mancel College, and of course Tammy said “yes”.

At the club, we are also looking to start a similar program with St James College, the school which Taylor attends. Having now competed at the Junior State Championships and the Gr8s, Taylor’s teachers are keenly following his progress. Taylor has also brought some school friends down to the club to have a trial and has the commitment of his teachers to enter a team in the Secondary Schools Cup.

Mancel STUDENTS AT THE CLUB

It took a few months to prepare, but on 6 March this year a minibus dropped off eight students and a couple of staff to begin their bowls journey.

We had been told approximately how many students were going to come and that they all had additional needs, some more so than others. So, we made sure we selected a group of people with appropriate skills and temperaments to coach them. We did a rush job getting Blue Cards for all these people and doing the Club Coach Course. We have been supported by Regional Bowls Manager, Micheal Sorrensen from BA.

Peter Gilbert coaching Taylor at Darra Cementco Bowls Club

The students arrive, super excited every Monday. We generally use five coaches, Micheal when he is available and Tammy – as a former teacher and parent of an additional needs child she is a huge help.

The activities are the same as any new bowler would do – learn how to hold the bowl and then deliver it –the only difference with coaching other kids is that these kids take a bit more time and understanding.

Mancel is operated by Language Disorder Australia and the students travel across Brisbane to attend. The students all have language difficulties, from almost nonverbal to extreme verbal challenges.

Almost all of them have never played any sport, as their skill sets and the lack of inclusivity in mainstream sport has prevented participation.

Bowls sessions are a mix of laughter and excitement, high fives and elbow bumps. Even more so when the green erupts after one has touched the jack. The students get so much enjoyment from their improved skills.

Most of them are now at the stage where we can have a modified game which is super exciting, not just for them but for us as well.

It is noticeable how the extremely non-communicative students have come out of their shells.

Just last week, Tammy was working with a student who has weekly speech therapy around how she could make sentences about lawn bowls to impress her therapist! This young girl was so excited and even did a practice with one of the coaches working with Tammy to shape some sentences.

Playing lawn bowls is not just about participating in a sport. It has allowed these children to develop the confidence that they can do things. That they, like everyone else, can experience success.

Although it was challenging sometimes at the beginning to ensure that our club had the right sized equipment and support aids to set the students up for success, it has been so worthwhile for all involved.

Our members have grown in their understanding and perspective of individuals with additional needs too.

Above all, the enjoyment for our coaches and members, who are experiencing this success alongside Taylor and the students, is priceless.

Contributed by Peter Gilbert & Tammy Baart

Students from Mancel College enjoying training sessions from Darra Cementco club members

VALE ROBERT (BOB) FRASER

Bob was involved in various bowls administrative positions from club, district through to State level, spanning nearly 60 years.

Bob first became involved in the world of bowls in 1962, when he became one of the nine founding members of Wellers Hill Bowls Club in Brisbane. Over the years, Bob has been a member at Wellers Hill, Moorooka, Bongaree and Solander Lake bowls clubs. He spent many years as President, Vice President and Secretary of the Caboolture District Bowls Association.

In 1973, Bob became involved in the Royal Queensland Bowls Association (RQBA), serving on the rules revision committee and umpire committee. He was elected RQBA Vice President in 1983 and “worked his way up to” President in 1987, becoming heavily involved in constitutions in 1988. In 1997, he joined the RQBA Board and served until 2003, when the interim Board of Bowls Queensland took over. Bob then held positions such as President, Vice President and committee member of Bowls Queensland’s Men’s Section. In his various positions, Bob visited almost every club in Queensland, and was the first State President to visit Thursday Island, which he found quite an experience. During his time with RQBA, Bob won all of the awards, including Meritorious Service (1987), Distinguished Member (1992), Life Membership (1996) and Bowls Queensland Hall of Fame (2012).

Bob’s proudest achievement was being awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2016 for his long service to lawn bowls.

Bowls Queensland’s Board, staff and committees express their condolences to Bob’s family and close friends.

Bowls Queensland is saddened to hear of the passing of Robert (Bob) Fraser OAM, RQBA/Bowls Qld/Caboolture District Life Member.

QLD U18 TRI-SERIES TEAM

Sixteen Under 18 players have been selected to represent Queensland in July. The annual Junior Test Series between QLD and NSW will be contested as a tri-series this year, with Victoria set to compete in the event.

Held at the Cabramatta Bowls Club, NSW from July 3-5, 2023, eight girls and eight boys from each State will compete in this multi-discipline event, which will be live streamed by Bowls NSW.

Congratulations to Lacey Gerick, Lilly Vardy, Trent Brehmer, Riley Gerick, Hayden Leslie and Travis Pearce who will make their debut for the Queensland Under 18 Team at this event.

Bowls Queensland Selection Co-ordinator Christina Pavlov was full of praise for those who made the team and would like to congratulate them all.

“It is exciting to see the depth of talent in our State and the commitment many districts, clubs and coaches have put into developing junior bowls in QLD,” she said. “The inclusion of Victoria this year, along with NSW, will provide strong competition for QLD.”

Following the tri-series, five girls and five boys will be selected to represent QLD in the Australian U18 Championships to be held in Perth on October 6-7, 2023.

Congratulations to the following selected players:

QLD U18 GIRLS TEAM

• Sophie Allan (Club Helensvale)

• Holly Anderson (Cunnamulla)

• Dekota Brindle (Hamilton)

• Lacey Gerick (Club Kawana)

• Stella Palmer (Roma)

• Keira Powell (Broadbeach)

• Corinne Stallan (Cooktown)

• Lilly Vardy (Club Tweed)

QLD U18 BOYS TEAM

• Todd Brain (Algester)

• Trent Brehmer (Algester)

• Jack Chirgwin (Glasshouse)

• Sam Collier (Broadbeach)

• Riley Gerick (Belmont Services)

• Hayden Leslie (Enoggera)

• Wyatt Martin (Gayndah)

• Travis Pearce (Kenilworth)

Back L-R: Riley Gerick, Hayden Leslie, Wyatt Martin, Sam Collier, Todd Brain, Trent Brehmer, Jack Chirgwin & Travis Pearce.

Front L-R: Corinne Stallan, Keira Powell, Holly Anderson, Dekota Brindle, Lilly Vardy, Stella Palmer, Sophie Allan & Lacey Gerick.

QLD VS NSW TEST SERIES TEAMS

Bowls Queensland has pleasure in announcing the players to represent Queensland in the Open, Under 25 and 40-59 teams to play New South Wales in July.

The annual QLD vs NSW Series will be held at Club Tweed on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 18-19. This three-test series will be live streamed on Facebook and YouTube with links on the Bowls QLD Website. The first two tests will be played on Tuesday and the third test on Wednesday morning.

Congratulations to the following players who will make their debut for Queensland in their respective teams:

• Open Team: Amy Evans, Kane Nelson and Nic Gosley.

• Under 25 Team: Chloe Runge, Sophie Kiepe, Joel Downey, Jake Rynne, Jarryd Davies and Isaac Maughan.

• 40-59 Team: Tilly Orero, Sarah Duffield, Steve Hayden and Jason Constable.

Wendy Wilson and Scott DeJongh-Fitzpatrick make their return to the open team while Jamie Anderson, Cohen Litfin and Chris Rosanes were unavailable for selection.

Following this series, 12 women and 12 men will be selected to represent Queensland in the Australian Sides Championships to be held in Perth from 13-16 October 2023. Congratulations to the following selected players:

QLD OPEN Team

Women:

• Kira Bourke, Wendy Wilson, Julie Keegan, Lynsey Clarke sk

• Amanda Haevecker, Pamela Rowe, Bolivia Millerick, Kelsey Cottrell sk

• Amy Evans, Emma Spicer, Claire Turley, Chloe Stewart sk

QLD UNDER 25 Team

Women:

• Alexis Foot, Chloe Runge, Isabella Lawson, Julia Brownie sk

• Ashlee Knight, Sophie Kiepe, Olivia Rothwell, Brittanny Wiley-Baxter sk

QLD 40-59 Team

Women:

• Yvonne Lovelock, Tilly Orero, Lorraine Callaghan, Tracy Foster sk

• Pauline Laverty, Sarah Duffield, Joanne Stockdale, Noelene Dutton sk

Thank you to Club Tweed for sponsoring this event.

Men:

• Nick Cahill, Wayne Turley, Sean Ingham, Aron Sherriff sk

• Kane Nelson, Nic Gosley, Matthew Lucas, Sean Baker sk

• Scott DeJongh-Fitzpatrick, Barrie Lester, Brett Wilkie, Nathan Rice sk

Men:

• Joel Downey, John Hammond jnr, Jake Rynne, Jarryd Davies sk

• Mitchell Mears, Isaac Maughan, Dale McWhinneyShillington, Jacob Nelson sk

Men:

• Steve Hayden, Ben Walsh, Mark Armstrong, Jason Constable sk

• Paul Gilbert, Gary Pearson, Glen Pitts, Adam White sk

Make sure you come down to Club Tweed on July 18-19 to cheer on the QUEENSLANDERS!

By Kelsey Cottrell

Men’s Singles gold medal winner for the fifth time, Aron Sherriff

Queenslanders accounted for almost a third of the event’s competitors and rose to the top in the country’s most prestigious tournament!

More than 900 entries across all 14 disciplines were received in what was a record-breaking year for the $275,000 Australian Open. The Gold Coast Clubs are well oiled machines and did a fantastic job hosting over 3,000 competitors over the 14 days of competition.

It’s a monumental day in your career when you’re crowned an Australian Open Dual Champion on the same day, winning both the Fours and Singles and pocketing a cool $15,000.

Aron (Omar) Sherriff, already in a class above most, is now breaking his own records and will have undoubtedly earned enough ranking points to secure the Australian Bowler of the Year Award.

MEN’S SINGLES

Queensland was guaranteed a winner in the men’s singles when Sherriff got over the line in a thrilling semi-final, a re-match from the Queensland Champion of Champion Singles Final against Algester’s Glen Pitts. Meanwhile, on a neighbouring rink, Jacob Nelson (Belmont Services) defeated NSW representative Matt Miles in a hard-fought match to make his first Australian Open final. It must be noted that Sherriff fought back from a 12-20 deficit in that semi-final and another notable achievement from our other finalist, was Nelson’s defeat of back-to-back Commonwealth Games gold medallist Aaron Wilson in the quarter-final, having the champion down 17 nil on a live-streamed match at Helensvale.

The final was a classy encounter between the hunter and the hunted, and it was the experience of Sherriff getting over the line 21-14 on his home greens at Broadbeach. Nelson also won many new fans, gracious in defeat and showing the country he’s got what it takes to reach great heights.

Final score: Aron Sherriff def Jacob Nelson 21-14

Men’s Singles silver medal winner Jacob Nelson

MEN’S PAIRS

Sherriff was on a mission, qualifying for the pairs final with partner Aaron Teys a day earlier. Perhaps the one-shot loss at the hands of defending champions, Ben Twist and Aaron Wilson, produced an extra determined Sherriff the next day.

The Queenslander was unable to disrupt the head, leaving the man affectionately known as Disco room to draw a third and secure the title, and he willingly obliged.

Final score: Ben Twist & Aaron Wilson def Aaron Teys & Aron Sherriff 17-16

MEN’S FOURS

A full Queensland side of Brendan Wilson, Clinton Bailey, Scott De Jongh-Fitzpatrick and Nick Cahill came oh so close to gold in the men’s fours, having to settle for a well-earned silver medal against a champion side of Barrie Lester (QLD), Corey Wedlock, Aaron Teys and Aron Sherriff (QLD), going down by just 1 shot.

It wasn’t the man of the hour Sherriff being the hero on this occasion, in fact it was Warilla’s Aaron Teys who nailed a front toucher with his final bowl which remained the shot for the remainder of the end. Despite being on the losing end of game, Nick Cahill was sensational and arguably the Man of the Match.

Final score: Barrie Lester, Corey Wedlock, Aaron Teys and Aron Sherriff def Brendan Wilson, Clinton Bailey, Scott De Jongh-Fitzpatrick & Nick Cahill 15-14.

WOMEN’S SINGLEs

Club Helensvale’s Kelsey Cottrell went close to defending her Australian Open Singles title, going down by twoshots to former Queenslander Cassandra Millerick in the final.

Millerick, now at Moama, was slow starting but soon found her groove and fought hard to claim her first Australian Open crown in a final to remember.

Millerick dropped the first seven shots as Cottrell flew out of the blocks. Playing in front of her former home crowd at Broadbeach, Millerick edged her way back into the contest with precision drawing.

The duo went shot for shot, with scores locked away after nearly every second end, before Millerick took the ascendancy. Trailing 14-16, Millerick collected a maximum of four to move ahead 18-16 and break the game wide open.

Cottrell showed her class under pressure, getting within two shots of victory herself, but with Millerick one away

L-R: Men’s Fours gold medal winners - Aaron Teys, Aron Sherriff, Corey Wedlock & Barrie Lester

Women’s Singles gold medal winner Cassandra Millerick

L-R: Men’s Pairs silver medal winners Aron Sherriff & Aaron Teys

L-R: Men’s Fours silver medal winners Clinton Bailey, Nick Cahill, Scott De Jongh-Fitzpatrick & Brendan Wilson

from victory, she built a remarkable head of bowls that would give her the win, the biggest of her career to date.

Final score: Cassandra Millerick def Kelsey Cottrell 21-19

WOMEN’S FOURS

Queenslander Chloe Stewart was part of a composite side that claimed gold in the women’s fours. Playing alongside Victorian Olivia Cartwright, Switzerland’s Laura Butler and New Zealand’s Katelyn Inch, they defeated Commonwealth Games gold medallist Kristina Krstic, Ellen Ryan, Ellen Faulkner and Emerging Jackaroo Briana Smith.

Final score: Olivia Cartwright, Laura Butler, Chloe Stewart & Katelyn Inch def Brianna Smith, Ellen Falkner, Kristina Krstic & Ellen Ryan 15-9

OVER-60

The over-60 disciplines grew more than any other event entries wise; however, the only medal we snared was a silver from our dynamic Tweed Heads duo of Max Jaffray and Neville Jenkins.

Eventual winners, Brims and Ryan took the jump early, leading 12-1, a lead their Queensland opponents could not reel back in. They managed to cut the score back down, but it was Brims and Ryan who were able to hold on for the victory.

Final score: Greg Brims & Eric Ryan def Max Jaffray & Neville Jenkins 20-10

UNDER-18 BOY’S SINGLES

Our sport is in good hands and Queensland is on the front foot in the Under-18 Boy’s category with an allQueensland final.

Riley Gerick from Belmont Services was successful over Broadbeach local Samuel Collier on the show rink, a game that will be shown on the Bowls Show later in the year. Gerick looked on song from the outset as he secured 11 of the first 14 ends to race out to a 16-3 lead over Collier.

His opponent would begin to claw his way back; however, clinching five of the next six shots caused some nerves in the game of the Belmont Services member. The final end saw two brilliant lead bowls give Gerick the ascendancy, with Collier unable to wrestle the shot away, granting Gerick a maiden Australian Open crown.

Final score: Riley Gerick def Samuel Collier 21-12

Women’s Fours gold medal winners L-R: Katelyn Inch, Chloe Stewart, Laura Butler & Olivia Cartwright

Men’s Over-60 Pairs silver medal winners Neville Jenkins & Max Jaffray

Under-18 Boy’s Singles gold medal winner Riley Gerick

Photos courtesy of Bowls Australia

Women’s Singles silver medal winner Kelsey Cottrell (right)

Under-18 Boy’s Singles silver medal winner Samuel Collier

MULTI-DISABILITY SINGLES

It’s always a good feeling for a lead to get a win over their skipper for bragging rights. And that’s exactly what happened in the Women’s Disability Singles final.

Cheryl Lindfield secured a comeback for the ages against great friend and international teammate, Serena Bonnell. Bonnell raced out to an 11-2 buffer after 10 ends, having just conceded one shot across that time. However, Lindfield roared into action and slowly pegged the lead back, thanks to some expert drawing and weight, ending with victory. The next time we see these two ladies, they will be representing Australia together at the World Bowls Championships.

Final score (women’s singles): Cheryl Lindfield def Serena Bonnell 21-17

VISION-IMPAIRED SINGLES & PAIRS

Our super-star vision impaired bowler, Jake Fehlberg, met his match in the Open Singles, going down in the final 16-21 to another Queenslander Scott Kinnear. However, the Commonwealth Games gold medallist teamed up with Enoggera’s Helen Boardman to win the pairs event.

Final score: Scott Kinnear def Jake Fehlberg 21-16

Facing off against Martin Bock (NSW) and Scott Kinnear (QLD), the Comm Games duo jumped out of the blocks, leading 10-0 before Bock and Kinnear stormed back into action. Fehlberg and Boardman led 15-14 on the final end, taking shot to hold on for a memorable two-shot win.

Final score: Helen Boardman & Jake Fehlberg def Martin Bock & Scott Kinnear 16-14

Bowls Australia Events Manager, Andrew Howie, said the 2023 Australian Open was played across a record number of clubs, from down south as far as Coolangatta and north to Beenleigh.

“All clubs worked tirelessly to ensure the participants enjoyed their experience at the Australian Open,” he said. “It was amazing to see over 900 volunteers give up their time to mark, umpire and flip scoreboards.”

Start planning now for 2024. It’s an event for all, a huge festival of bowls that should be a bucket list item for all keen bowlers!

Vision-impaired Open Pairs gold medal winners L-R: Cody Fehlberg (director), Jake Fehlberg, Helen Boardman & Peter Doherty (director)

Women’s Multi-disability Singles gold medal winner Cheryl Lindfield

Women’s Multi-disability Singles silver medal winner Serena Bonnell

Vision-impaired open singles championsL-R: Shane Kinnear (director) & Scott Kinnear

VALE FELIX PURCELL

Bowls Queensland was saddened to hear of the passing of Felix Purcell, who was a valued BQ Coaching Committee member and a dedicated bowler heavily involved in various positions across the Mackay District. The BQ Board, staff and committee members send condolences to Felix’s family and close friends.

As a great friend of Felix Purcell and his lovely partner Lorraine Silman, I am deeply saddened by Felix’s passing. On behalf of the State Coaching Committee, staff and Board of Management of Bowls Queensland we pass on our sincere condolences to Lorraine and all family members at this time.

Whilst saddened, I still treasure the wonderful memories and times I enjoyed so much whilst in his company. I encourage all those that had the privilege of meeting with Felix to harness those beautiful memories and, rather than being sad, rejoice in the celebration of his life.

Felix was a wonderful Australian, a man who spoke his mind and was always willing to assist others in need. I feel very thankful for the contributions he offered and provided to the State Coaching Committee over the last ten years, four of those as a member of the committee (2019 - 2023).

Felix gave a lot of his time working with the Mackay District sides, both the ladies and the men as coach and mentor. He was always heavily involved with the Secondary Schools Cup, and many of the juniors in the district are very aware of his involvement.

Aside from all his coaching commitments, Felix held other district positions as well as many club appointments. He was a true professional who always gave his best no matter what role he was performing. I feel very honoured and privileged to have worked with Felix over the past 11 years.

Felix was the person who engaged the services of the State Coaching Committee way back in 2012 and we have been coming back ever since. Felix was an accredited Club and Advanced Coach during this time and his experience and expertise have benefited many players in the Mackay District.

Felix may have passed but his legacy will remain, and may I say those people who have been fortunate in meeting and knowing Felix Purcell can only be better people for the experience.

Many thanks for the great times mate and the wonderful memories; I will miss your great smile and your sense of humour. R.I.P Felix.

Your friend and confidant, Alan Thorp

Coaching Committee Co-ordinator Alan Thorp has penned a tribute to Felix below.

Social Media - Tips for your Bowls Club’s Success

An ongoing topic in the news revolves around the use of social media in business, which can be both advantageous and detrimental. Many of us have witnessed businesses that maintain excellent social media profiles, not only providing entertainment but also sharing information about upcoming events and promotions, establishing themselves as the go-to place. Unfortunately, when it comes to executing a social media strategy, we must also consider the negative aspects of social media, such as receiving one-star reviews and encountering unpleasant comments that are challenging to remove promptly.

Given the rapid spread of negative experiences on the internet, it is often more effective to prevent issues rather than dealing with them afterward. Below, we present our top recommendations for club committees when it comes to managing their social media presence.

Set the Bowls Club’s Rules Clubs often opt to address social media-related matters within their existing policies, such as a Code of Conduct or Member Protection Policy. While this approach can offer general guidelines and restrictions, the rapidly evolving nature of social media often necessitates the development of a separate social media policy. Maintaining a distinct social media policy allows for more detailed coverage of specific social media issues, easier handling of the club’s official social media accounts, and facilitates easy updates and accessibility for members.

An effectively crafted social media policy typically addresses the following issues:

• Obtaining consent for posting images.

• Posting in an official capacity on behalf of the club.

• Handling sensitive and controversial topics.

• Complying with relevant laws.

• Implementing disciplinary procedures.

Furthermore, it is crucial to ensure that the disciplinary processes outlined in the club’s constitution or by-laws are comprehensive enough to enable appropriate action to be taken if members make inappropriate posts on social media. Similarly, it is important to establish a suitable policy to address social media concerns related to the club’s employees.

Appropriate Employees for Social Media

Given the ever-changing landscape of social media and emerging platforms, it can be challenging to stay up to date. Therefore, it is crucial to have the right individual responsible for managing your club’s social media accounts. This person, often referred to as the “influencer”, not only adds marketing expertise to promote the club, but also serves as the main point of contact for members, guests, or third parties who may have concerns or issues regarding the club or its posted content.

Taking appropriate action with Social Media Issues

Even with a well-crafted social media policy and a competent social media

manager, occasional issues are bound to arise on social media platforms. To safeguard the club’s reputation, it is crucial to address these issues promptly and effectively.

Depending on the nature of the problem, appropriate actions may include removing a post, requesting the removal of a post by another user or organisation, contacting the platform manager, or issuing an apology. Given the potential seriousness of social media issues, it is important to gather as much information as possible before making a decision. Once the necessary information is collected, management should swiftly determine the best course of action and follow through without delay. Timeliness is essential when dealing with matters on the internet, and social media is no exception.

Having prepared sample responses for negative feedback, complaints, or inappropriate comments can aid in ensuring a quick and consistent response from the club when issues arise. Additionally, it is advisable to have a communication plan in place in the event that an incident escalates and involves the media. This plan should nominate a designated person who is well-prepared to address enquiries and public comments in an appropriate manner. If you have any questions on this topic or any other issues relating to a social media regulations and

requirements, please call me, Matt Bradford, at 07 3224 0353.

LYNSEY CLARKE ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL RETIREMENT

Lynsey Clarke, one of Australia’s most successful and longest serving Right at Home Australian Jackaroos, has announced she will be retiring from international bowls at the conclusion of this year’s World Bowls Championships in her home town of the Gold Coast.

The decision comes as the Queenslander highlights that the timing is right, with family taking priority. Lynsey has two children under the age of eight that she wants to spend more time with as her travelling duties and the high-level demands of an athlete become less rigorous.

In addition, the 39-year-old aims to focus on her blossoming coaching career, having been employed by Bowls Australia (BA) as her State’s Pathways Coach, mentoring and guiding the next generation of bowlers on their journeys to success.

Lynsey is quick to reassure her friends and fellow Queenslanders that she’ll still be an active bowler at home.

“Twenty years in and I have probably ticked off everything on my bucket list,” she said. “There are a couple of things still there and obviously I’m still going to be playing in my beloved state of Queensland and at my home club of Tweed, but I think the timing is right to finish my career in the green and gold in my home town, where I first rolled my bowls as an 11-year-old.”

Lynsey has won many of her bowls medals with Karen Murphy and said Karen has been a huge influence on her career. “Karen was my idol when I was a junior,” Lynsey said. “She was always so approachable, I loved the way she played really aggressively and she really changed sport for women.

“Now, I just want to go out there and make them (my family) proud,” she said. “My family has sacrificed a lot for me and, as a mum, I want to show them that you can chase your dreams, commit to something you want to do and believe in yourself.”

A stalwart of the national team, Clarke debuted in 2003, amassing 440 international caps, a Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2006 and a pair of World Bowls Championships golds in 2008 and 2012, as well as being one of the most highly respected leaders within the Australian squad – and inaugural captain from 2011 until 2018.

In addition, Australia has hoisted the Taylor Trophy as the best performing women’s team on both occasions that the Club Tweed member has participated in the World Bowls Championships. With the World Bowls Championships coming up, Lynsey agreed it would be “pretty cool” to bow out of international bowls with a gold medal.

“Our team has a great mix of experience, youth and energy so the gold medal would be the ultimate, but I’m just loving that I get to finish my Australian career where I started, in my home town.

“It’s a bit of a fairytale and a really huge honour and privilege to have 20 years in the Aussie colours,” she said. “I’ll always be involved with the sport of bowls; it’s something I love and am passionate about.”

Lynsey Clarke after representing Queensland for 200 games

Development with RBM Micheal Sorrensen

Bowls Australia and Invictus join forces

Defence force veterans and their families are learning to love the sport of bowls, and all the benefits that come with it.

Invictus Australia and Bowls Australia have teamed up to run Family Veteran Days across the country, taking veterans and their families out onto greens at local clubs to learn the sport.

Invictus Australia is a not-for-profit organisation promoting the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport, shining a light on the unique needs of younger veterans and the challenges they face as they transition from military to civilian life.

Several recent events have taken place across the country with great success, including at Rosewood and Toowoomba in Queensland and at Darwin. South East Queensland. Regional Bowls Manager, Micheal Sorrensen, has been involved in helping coordinate these events, and said it is a great program to be involved with.

“This partnership is to provide support for the service people and their families of Australia in a safe and friendly environment,” he said. “The connection between the sport of bowls and the forces goes back to the boom period of the sport, with many of our current clubs being formed by groups of returned servicemen.

“It is always great to see people out there with their family having fun, it’s what it is all about.”

Sorrensen has been working closely with Veteran Engagement Specialist SE Qld, Justine Lugg and Regional Manager, Veteran Engagement Northern NSW, Jye Martyn to ensure the events offer the best experience possible.

With previous events attracting good numbers, there are more scheduled. Please contact Micheal for more information (contact details below).

Defence Force veterans & their families learning how to play bowls

CAMP HILL BOWLER FINALIST IN QUEENSLAND DAY AWARDS

Camp Hill’s Doug Donaldson was a finalist in the Queensland Day Awards at Parliament House. Doug qualified for this because of the many years of service he has given the club.

Doug joined Camp Hill BC in 2005 and has been our treasurer since Barabbas played full back for Jerusalem (since 2006!). On the sporting front, at 90 years of age when doctors could do no more for his injured right arm, rather than give up, bowls Doug swapped to his left hand and has since that time become a Club Champion in the fours.

Apart from the years of service to the club as Treasurer and Competition bowler, Doug is a much loved member of our club. He is a true gentleman and a caring human being, who always has a kind and often humorous word to share with others. It was an honour for me to be there to see Doug receive his award.

Doug said he was proud to be a member of the Camp Hill Bowls Club. “It’s a small, proactive club with happy, friendly members who get the opportunity to know each other,” he said.

Camp Hill is a strong community club, having dedicated the bottom green to community events. “The community loves us and we love them,” Doug said. “We are very much an outdoor club these days with great city views, plenty of parking spaces, a friendly bar and restaurant.”

Doug receiving his finalist award from The Honourable Dianne (Di) Farmer MP

Doug (third from left) with the other Queensland Day Award finalists

Contributed by Stephen Anderson

Umpire with Joan Brotherton

The NEW laws of bowls: Laws affecting your game

Another enjoyable and successful month has been completed with the playing of the Australian Open. It was great to welcome many members, players and visitors from across Australia and overseas who were competing, watching, and enjoying all the games. Special thanks to all the officials, sponsors, volunteers and the live streaming team for all their hard work.

As it was important to advise you last month of the two revoked laws that were effective immediately, I will now continue to advise and keep you up to date with the new law changes, particularly the ones that can affect your game.

Note: Reference to the word “must” and “will” as mentioned in the Conventions within these laws, mean the action is compulsory.

C21 (Page 11) Measuring:

The use of equipment, such as that described in law 54, placed between the jack and bowls to decide which bowls are shot.

C28 (page 12) Rink and its boundaries:

C.28.2 Rink of Play: the section of the green between two adjacent side boundaries, the corresponding sections of the end ditches and the corresponding faces of the banks on which a game is played.

Law 2.4 (page 17):

In all games, each player must play with the appropriate number of bowls from the same set.

Law 26.3 (page 37):

There must be no further play in a knockout competition if at any point it becomes impossible for a player, team, or side to win the game, given the number of ends left.

Law 29.1.4 (page 39):

If a bowl has been played by each team or player in Singles before the players discover that one of them has played out of turn, play in that end must continue in that order.

Law 42.2.1 (page 60): The marker must:

42.2.1: check the mat is placed on the centre line of the rink.

Law 54.9 (page 78):

For domestic play, Member National Authorities can approve the type of measuring equipment for carrying out umpires’ duties.

Law 55.3.4 (page 82/83): Changing the program – Domestic Events:

The Controlling Body has the power to alter or amend the program of the event as it considers necessary or appropriate if the weather or other conditions are unsuitable or if there is a power failure and the lighting is affected. The Controlling Body can also suspend play temporarily in any game or abandon any game, and it can also alter any of the conditions of its program if it decides that this is essential to successfully carry out or finish the event.

A.1. (page 91): Conditions of play:

A.1.3.11: The method to be used for drawing rink numbers and opponents.

In the following laws, the wording has been changed to include Singles Players: Law 8.3 (page 23); Law 9.5 (page 24); Law 9.6 (page 24); Law 24.1 (page 36); Law 52.1.8.4 (page 71); Law 52.1.9 (page 71); and A.5.1 (page 95).

Any problems or queries regarding the new laws, please do not hesitate to contact your district or anyone from the Bowls Queensland Umpire Committee, who will be only too happy to assist.

Law 2.4 In all games, each player must play with the appropriate number of bowls from the same set. The players are playing 2 bowls triples, with 2 bowls for each player - 3 players.

WHAT’S YOUR CLUB BEEN DOING?

Past Presidents maintain 23 Year tradition

The past presidents of bowls clubs throughout Queensland gathered in Toowoomba recently for a week of fellowship, friendship and bowls, during the 23rd Annual Past Presidents of Queensland Bowls carnival.

Hosted by the Darling Downs Division, current President of the Past Presidents Darling Downs Queensland (PPDDQ), Ray Chicken, welcomed teams from Port Curtis, Wide Bay, Bundaberg, Caboolture and of course the Darling Downs.

It was a competitive field of 18 teams of Fours with 72 players who took to the greens of Drayton Club Rink 46, Pittsworth, Toowoomba City and Souths/Wests Club Toowoomba.

A welcome BBQ evening kicked off the week, with old and new friendships kindled before the serious business of bowls competition began.

Obvious by the results, the home ground advantage saw two Darling Downs teams go ‘hammer & tong’ to claim the major prizes. Darling Downs (5), skipped by wily Drayton Club Rink 46 veteran Graham ‘Macca’ McCarthy in company with Pittsworth trio, Ken Keleher, Ken Coutts and Debbie Gadd with a perfect run of 8 wins from 8 games, edged out the Darling Downs (7) foursome of Andrew Payne (skip), Peter Rookas, Bill Hogan and Darling Downs Secretary and Tournament organiser Sandy Lees. Third place went to Team Harvey and fourth place was claimed by Team Tickle.

One of the highlights of the carnival was the attendance of the oldest Past Presidents Queensland player George Cox. At the tender age of just 94, George never missed a beat over the entire week, playing in every one of the eight games. George generously helped sponsor the event along with Club Toowoomba, Club 46, Toowoomba Bowls Shop, Moore Trailers, Local MP David Janetzki, Ray Chicken and Carnival Secretary Graham Healy.

After playing two games per day over four days, a major presentation dinner was held at Club Toowoomba. On a sombre note, the absence of teams from near neighbours Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Cunningham was a disappointment and the future is not bright for PPQ. Once, back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, their numbers boasted over 400, but that has dwindled below half that number and only a resurgence in support will see future carnivals. Where once you would see multiple past presidents from each club attending each year, much has changed in recent decades. I sincerely hope we will see more past presidents attending future events.

Contributed by Peter Rookas

L-R: Ray Chicken with winners Darling Downs (5) Ken Keleher, Ken Coutts & Debbie Gadd (absent Graham ‘Macca’ McCarthy)

L-R: Runners up Darling Downs (7) Andrew Payne with Ray Chicken, Darling Downs Secretary and tournament organiser Sandy Lees & Bill Hogan (absent Peter Rookas)

Sponsor and player George Cox

70 Years for Drayton Ladies

Congratulations to Drayton Ladies Bowls Club Inc. on celebrating its 70th anniversary.

On 25 May, Colleen Ryan and myself had the pleasure of travelling to the Drayton Ladies Bowls Club Inc. in Toowoomba.

We were to join in the celebrations and commemorate their anniversary. Although we had a slow start due to an accident on the Logan Motorway and arrived 20 minutes late, we were welcomed by President Marilyn Wheaton, District President Kaylene Weir and all the ladies waiting patiently for our arrival.

Some interesting history about the Drayton-Harristown Ladies Bowling Club, is that it was formed on 8 December, 1952. On 27 July, 1960 the name was changed to Drayton Ladies Bowling Club. Subscriptions were just one pound, one shilling and green fees were two shillings.

Affiliation with the DDLBA was granted in July 1953. Initial membership was 17 ladies and four associate members.

Just like many clubs these days, they have had their ups and downs but have survived. Many changes have occurred over the last 12 months for the club and sound foundations have been laid for its future, its members and for lawn bowls as a whole.

In late 2022, Drayton Bowls Club merged with City Golf Club which resulted in a renovation of the clubhouse and a complete restructure to the way bowls is run within the club.

Colleen and I would like to thank the club for the invitation to join in with its celebrations and we wish all the members many more years of bowling.

Contributed by Carmel Gibb

L-R: BQ Director Carmel Gibb, Drayton Ladies President Marilyn Wheaton, District President Kaylene Weir & BQ Director Colleen Ryan

Bundaberg’s Burnett Bowls Club turns 75!

Burnett Bowls Club’s recent 75th Anniversary celebration kicked off with an official morning tea on Friday, June 2. I would like to thank Kerry Green (Bowls Queensland Vice President), Jack Dempsey (Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor), Cr Tracey McPhee, Cr Vince Habermann OAM as well as current and past club members who joined us.

The cake was cut by Club Chairperson Des Kemp, Ladies’ President Sue Petterson Men’s President Denis Bust. A wonderful morning was had catching up with friends and fellow bowlers. We shared many memories as we perused photo albums, watched the slideshow which displayed many photos and read about our club’s history.

Saturday, June 3 kicked off with 30 teams playing in our $15,000 Mixed Triples Carnival, starting with four games with mixed results at the conclusion of Day 1. Saturday night we kicked on the party shoes and celebrated with a 3-course meal and live entertainment. It was a night to celebrate our incredible club. Sunday began with the last three games of the carnival and, by the afternoon, we had our top 10 winners. Winners of the weekend were:

• 1st: Fiona Dowling, Jake Fehlberg, Cody Fehlberg

• 2nd: Terri Plowman, Bogga Kath, Warwick Bellert

• 3rd: Connie Rixon, Matt Tonkin, Keith Whalley

• 4th: Xavier Parkinson, Sue Petterson, Hayden Leslie

• 5th: John Jardine, Sue Jardine, Darryl Austin

• 6th: Gayle Sutton, Max Evans, Shane Cashill

• 7th: Deb McGarry, George Robertson, Roger Goodwin

• 8th: Jenny Lim, Keith Bayntun, Wayne Barnett

• 9th: Casey Hogan, Patrick John, Ross Mortimer

• 10th: Helen Foster, Ros Byers, Leon Dwyer

Thank you to our sponsors who joined us for our 75th Celebrations – Scott Burke Solar, Mark Haster Painting, Kalki Moon, Hinkler Podiatry and Arcon Metals.

I would like to thank all bowlers, visitors, club members, sponsors, umpires and everyone who assisted with our 75th Anniversary Celebrations. I am incredibly proud to be part of this friendly club. Lock in June 1-2, 2024 for our $15,000 Mixed Triples Carnival once again and we would love to welcome you to our club!

L-R: Runners-up Bogga Kath, Warwick Bellert, Terri Plowman with Shannon Clarke & Des Kemp

Des Kemp, Sue Petterson & Denis Bust

L-R: Third Keith Whalley, Connie Rixon, Matt Tonkin with Shannon Clarke & Des Kemp

L-R: Winners Jake Fehlberg, Cody Fehlberg, Fiona Dowling, with Shannon Clarke (from sponsor Scott Burke Solar) & Des Kemp

Contributed by Kellie Kemp

Kawana’s $40,000 prizepot draws the crowds

Prizemoney of $40,000 attracted quality fields to the Women’s and Men’s Bowls Carnival at Club Kawana on the Sunshine Coast. More than 200 bowlers enjoyed the superb facilities at Club Kawana, with women playing for a $20,000 purse (one of the richest women’s tournaments in Australia) on June 1-2, and the men also playing for $20,000 on June 3-4. With almost perfect Sunny Coast weather and well prepared greens, conditions were conducive to a display of quality bowling.

Both events attracted local, state, national and international representatives playing over two days in a ‘best of 6 game’ format. The inclusion of the Fours teams from the Australian Jackaroos was a drawcard for the many spectators who were treated to a display of very highly skilled and competitive bowling. The event is planned to be a permanent fixture in the Club Kawana Bowls Calendar to be played during the first week of June each year.

Winners of the Ladies Carnival were Jackaroos (Jessie Cottell, Dawn Hayman, Lynsey Clarke and Kelsey Cottrell (skip) who were undefeated over the event. Second place went to the only other undefeated team comprising of Marilyn Emerton, Leigh Fortington, Ester Regan & Maria Rigby (skip).

Winners of the Men’s Carnival and undefeated over the weekend were Jackaroos Aaron Teys, Aron Sheriff (skip), Corey Wedlock & Carl Healey. Second place went to the very experienced team of Mark Thatcher, Nathan Rice (skip), Brett Wilkie & Kurt Brown.

Broadbeach’s Blue Diamond Pairs & Matador Fours

Winners (Ladies) L-R: Kelsey Cottrell (skip), Lynsey Clarke, Dawn Hayman & Jessie Cottell

Winners (Men) L-R: Aaron Teys, Aron Sherriff (Skip), Corey Wedlock & Carl Healey

Contributed by Aileen Duckett

Congratulations to Tom Nathan (left) and Andrew Waddell who walked away with the $20,000 Blue Diamond Pairs title at Broadbeach last month.

Congratulations to Jade Groenewege, Michael Wilks, Nathan Wise & Steve Douglas who won the Matador Fours also held at Broadbeach last month.

North Mackay Ladies celebrate 75th anniversary

What a pleasure to visit Mackay once again for another celebration. Colleen Ryan and myself were invited to North Mackay Ladies Bowling Club to join in the 75th anniversary celebrations of this great club. Many thanks to President Lidia McCarthy and her wonderful committee for inviting us to share this achievement with all of you.

Some interesting history is that on April 22, 1947 it was passed that the Old Farleigh Mill Barracks be purchased for use as a bowls club for the princely sum of 60 pounds. The club purchased an ice chest for five pounds, then applied for a liquor licence and steady progress began towards opening its doors on April 26, 1948.

The construction of the green was organised by Mr Maplethorpe and members volunteered to build the green, which cost 2,000 pounds.

The Magpie Emblem was adopted because it was used by the North Mackay Sporting Clubs and is still in use today.

The North Mackay Ladies Bowling Club was formed immediately after the men’s club in June 1948. The first Lady President was Mable Hayes and the first Secretary was Florence Hamilton. The women have worked hand in hand with the men’s club to this day.

The club is what it is today because of the dedicated past presidents, committees and members who worked hard over the years. The men did maintenance, painting, mowing and kept the shrubs trimmed and the women weeded gardens, cleaned inside and out and made the sandwiches for morning and afternoon teas. Green 1 was covered and artificial carpet replaced the grass in 2001. A few years later, the second green was also covered and artificial carpet installed. Come 2011, the club, under the guidance of President Ray McCarthy and his committee, was rebuilt to what it is today.

During this time, the No 3 Green was turned into a carpark. President Ray McCarthy, during his seven years as president, oversaw the complete transformation of the club with a new gaming room, reception, bistro, outdoor play area and electric signage on the footpath. After all this was completed, Ray retired.

In 2022, the club went in a different direction and appointed a Board of Management and the men’s and ladies’ bowls section was formed. The women dissolved their own Incorporated Club to become the North Mackay Bowls Club Ladies Section and now celebrate 75 years.

Colleen and I were made very welcome and had a great time joining in the celebrations and would like to thank North Mackay Ladies for their hospitality.

Also a special thank you goes to Ray McCarthy for three days of taxi service, laughter and history on the Mackay area (81 years worth of information).

L-R: District Vice President Margo Stanley, BQ’s Carmel Gibb, President Lidia McCarthy & BQ’s Colleen Ryan

L-R: North Mackay Ladies President Lidia McCarthy with BQ Directors Colleen Ryan & Carmel Gibb

Contributed by Carmel Gibb

Tara’s Matt on his 9th consecutive win!

Matt Prain from Tara has recently won his 9th Club ‘A’ Grade Singles Championship, yes, that’s right, 9th! And to top it off, this was nine consecutive wins! Consecutive winning seems to be a thing at Tara Bowls Club if you look at the honour board (pictured below).

Matt, who has been playing bowls for Tara for about 13 years, puts his success down to being competitive, but adds that he tries to be close to the jack and build pressure from the very first bowl.

At a group level, Matt has also had some success, although at the moment his children’s sporting ambitions have taken over so bowls is having to take a bit of a step back. Matt did compete in this year’s District Sides and he plays in the regular carnivals in support of the small local clubs. He says “we have a lot of fun and we’ve won our fair share over the years”.

Matt also puts a lot back into the bowls community; he is Secretary of the Tara Club and the Condamine Men’s District and Match Committee Chairman.

As to his future plans, Matt’s goal this year would be to win a blue pennant for the combined Tara/ Jandowae/Taroom team. Perhaps he’ll also strive to win next year’s competition and make it a decade of club championships!

Matthew Prain (left) with Stephen Savage (right). Matthew defeated Stephen 25-18 to win his 9th straight Club Singles Title at Tara.

The Honour Board at Tara Bowls Club

Windsor’s Lottie Redfern turns 100!

Recently, Windsor Bowls Club’s oldest Club Life Member Lottie Redfern reached the ripe old age of 100 years old.

Lottie was an active bowler up until the age of 93, but has been in an nursing home for a few years now.  Members of the club visited her to celebrate her milestone.

Happy birthday Lottie!

Were you a member at Suburban Bowls Club? Help them celebrate 100 years!

Suburban Bowls Club in Townsville will be celebrating its Centenary later this year. A week of events is being assembled for the week of August 19-26, including an Invitational Fours and Night Bowls, with a Centenary Dinner to be held on Saturday, August 26.

Club Secretary, David Crichton, would love to hear from past members of the club with information or stories of their time with Suburban. Contact the club at (07) 4779 4983 or email subtville@bigpond.com

Lottie’s cake

Lottie (centre) at the Windsor Bowls Club’s 100th Anniversary in 2021 with Bev Whitehead (left) & Dot Kennedy (right)

Lottie Redfern celebrating her 100th birthday

L-R: Life Members Bill Baker & Wendy Horgan and Margaret Cork visiting Lottie

Contributed by Alan Brown

Mt Gravatt’s new undercover green surface

Mt Gravatt Bowls Club recently had the base, underlay and carpet replaced on the undercover all weather green, which was a very welcome rebuild. We must thank the Lord Mayor for approval of a grant under the Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Grant, as without the grant, the work would not have been possible. Thank you to BQ President, Peter Williamson and BQ CEO, Brett Wilkie for attending the event.

The work has restored the green to first class quality and assists the club to provide an excellent community facility. Mt Gravatt Bowls Club now has two, high quality synthetic greens to offer to bowlers and the community.

An official opening was held on June 1, 2023 to celebrate the occasion. Firstly, there was a sit down lunch at which Club Chair, Graham Chattin, welcomed members and guests, to which Cr Steven Huang, Councillor for Macgregor Ward, representing the Lord Mayor, responded. This was followed by an unveiling of a plaque, cutting of a ribbon and the roll of a bowl by Cr Huang. A two end demonstration by our youngest male and female bowlers and presidents of Men’s and Ladies’ sections then took place.

We can now offer an excellent quality surface coupled with the knowledge of being all weather, so rain is not an issue. LED lighting adds to the player enjoyment.

Contributed by Reg Walls

Cr Huang unveiling the plaque (above) & rolling the first bowl (below)

L-R: Business Manager & MC Reg Walls; Chairman MTGBC Graham Chattin; BQ President Peter Williamson; President GDBA Jack Oliver; President GLDBA Kay Fick & Cr Steven Huang, Councillor for Macgregor

Etiquette in lawn bowls - Part 1 of 2

Now that the first half of the year is over, the coaching committee thought it would be a good time to discuss etiquette on the green. This article is Part 1 of a two part series, and will cover general codes of conduct as well as ways to display good sportsmanship at the beginning of a game. Next month, we will focus on behaviours specific to during and after the game.

While the laws of the game and Conditions of Play control the playing of the game of bowls, there are many unwritten codes of conduct and expectations that make the game enjoyable for all players.

These are known as the etiquette of bowls and, while they are not enforceable by an umpire or controlling body, contribute to the game’s flow to make it enjoyable for all.

So, what does ‘etiquette’ really mean? The dictionary definition tells us it is “the customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular group”.

Etiquette is where “treat others as you would want to be treated” applies and simply means displaying good sportsmanship. This is achieved by knowing what behaviour is acceptable in the game and applying it using common sense, honesty and fairness.

Below are some examples of etiquette for us all to follow.

• Be on time;

• Be prepared and have all your equipment with you;

• Ensure your bowls bag and personal gear is placed neatly away from the bank so as not to interfere with any players;

• Always respect your opponent/s and treat them appropriately.

Beginning of game:

• Introduce yourself to opponent/s, shake hands and wish everyone good bowling;

• Turn off your phone and put it in your bowls bag;

• Skips to toss and communicate result to their team and carry all equipment (mat etc.) to the other end;

• Remember that how you speak and act can, and does, affect all other players on the rink and sometimes the green. Abusive language and behaviour is unwarranted and unacceptable.

The “Beginners Guide to Lawn Bowls” and “Coaching Basics and Etiquette of Bowls” can be purchased from the BQ website under “Forms” in Stock Requisition.

ECKA’S

TIP

Sound preparation is all about preparing yourself to control the controllable and limit the influence on the things you cannot control.

It’s vital you have awareness of the things you can control and the things you cannot.

Club Coach course held at Manly Bowls last month, with BQ Coach Dennis O’Toole.