MARCH 2023

100 YEARS FOR MACKAY CITY!

HIGH PERFORMANCE ACADEMY SQUAD ANNOUNCED

Jerem Henr

Barrie Lester Core Wedlock

Kel in Kerko OAM Gar Kell

CONTENTS

Editor: Jo Grey

Reporters/Photographers: Kelsey Cottrell

Editorial Assistant: Dee Ayre

Contributions to the Bowler:

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34 COACHING

Dennis O’Toole provides some tips on exercise

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

RIP HENRY KINGSTON

Henry Kingston was presented with a BQ 100-yearmedallion by BQ officials at the North Mackay Bowls Club in January.

Henry was delighted to receive the medallion and enjoyed the celebration surrounded by his friends and family.

Sadly, Henry passed away in February and will be sorely missed by all at the club. Rest In Peace, Henry.

From the President with BQ’s Peter Williamson

Following on from our exciting week in Bundaberg at the Junior State Championships, Vice President Kerry Green and I travelled to Mackay. Our first duty was to present a 100-year-medallion to Henry Kingston of North Mackay Bowls Club. Henry was unaware of our visit and was extremely happy with the presentation, attended by the members of the club. We were very sad to hear about Henry’s passing in February and send condolences to his family and friends.

We also visited Mackay RSL Memorial Club, where we met with some members who gave BQ an insight into the determination of members to ensure a small club will survive.

Mackay City Bowls Men’s Club invited BQ to be part of its Centenary celebrations.

A formal dinner was held at the club where distinguished guests, Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert MP, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson along with District Presidents Marie Fredrickson and Scott Cronin attended.

President Warren Sturgeon, MC Vince McSherry and members made all extremely welcome. A highlight of the evening was a display of memorabilia put together by members of the Ladies Club, Shirley Sturgeon and her team. The celebrations culminated on the Sunday with teams from clubs within the district being invited to participate in a game. This gave Kerry and myself an opportunity to mingle with the visitors and discuss various topics concerning their clubs.

As we head towards the AGM, I wish to thank the following directors: Geoff Osborne for his valuable guidance over the past couple of years; and Brian Marshall for his time and input to the board, as they will not be standing for re-election.

Peter Williamson

L-R: BQ Coach Felix Purcell, BQ President Peter Williamson, Henry Kingston & BQ Vice President Kerry Green

L-R: BQ President Peter Williamson, Henry Kingston & close friend Beverley Svenson

CEO REPORT

BQ Board and AGM

with BQ’s Brett Wilkie

The Bowls QLD AGM and Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 22. Nominations have closed for the three positions up for election on the BQ Board. One nomination was received for the position of President from Peter Williamson. Four nominations have been received for the two Board Director positions from Martin Corr, Gary Costigan, Denis Kirkman and Graham Lewis. Each of the 20 District Men’s and Ladies Association’s vote for these positions with the results announced at the BQ AGM. Thank you to those delegates who give their time to attend the AGM and Council Meetings at BQ Headquarters. These meetings are great for our delegates to come together, discuss all things about bowls in QLD and report back to their respective districts.

Thank you to outgoing BQ Directors Brian Marshall and Geoff Osborne for their time and effort over the past six years on the board. Brian and Geoff have decided not to run for the director positions this year, I wish them all the best in future endeavours.

Strategic Plan

The BQ 2019 – 2022 Strategic Plan has now run its course. Late last year, the Board of BQ commenced their review of our previous Strategic Plan. Much work has since been done in creating a new plan to run from 2023 – 2025. The new plan will be presented to the 2023 AGM and will also be a guide for districts and clubs to consider aligning with.

Bowls Queensland Registered Member Card

At the 2022 Bowls Queensland September council meeting involving all district delegates from throughout QLD, a motion was passed to introduce a Bowls Queensland Registered Member Card.

The “Bowls Queensland Registered Member Card” is for all declared members of each club. These cards have been distributed to all affiliated clubs in QLD for distribution to their declared members.

This card signifies its bearer is a registered member of an affiliated bowls club in QLD. When another affiliated bowls club other than the individual’s declared club is visited, they may be asked to produce this card to prove they are a “Bowls Queensland Registered Member”.

Being a “Bowls Queensland Registered Member” entitles the bearer to participate in structured games of bowls at any club(s) affiliated with Bowls Queensland, so long as they meet that club’s event conditions/ criteria.

Bowls Queensland reminds clubs that anyone who participates in regular structured games of bowls must be a registered member of an affiliated bowls club in QLD (as per the Bowls Queensland Constitution).

Bowls QLD Event Hosting

Thank you to clubs who showed expression of interest to host Bowls QLD events. Successful clubs will be announced in March.

2023 State Championships

Entries for this years $50,000 QLD State Championships are open and close on Monday, March 20. This event will be played on the Sunshine Coast from Monday 8 – Sunday 21 May with all finals at Coolum Beach Bowls Club. Thank you to the Sunshine Coast Council and Coolum Beach BC for their support of this event.

High Performance Academy

Congratulations to the 16 players invited to be the inaugural members of this academy. I look forward to watching their progress (see page 8 in this issue).

World Blind Bowls Championships

This event will be held at the Tweed Heads Bowls Club from March, 5-16.

Multi Nations

This event will be held at Club Helensvale, Broadbeach, Club Musgrave, Paradise Point and Mudgeeraba Bowls Clubs from March, 25-31. All the Australian Squad of ten women and ten men will be in action at this event. Good luck to all our Aussies in both the events above, especially our QLD stars.

Vale - Nigel Smith

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Nigel, he was a great mentor to many people, a fierce competitor, very genuine and all round nice guy. I was fortunate to attend a celebration of Nigel’s life at Club Tweed and convey condolences to his wife Judy, family and close friends.

Brett Wilkie

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LETTER OF THANKS FROM ADF LAWN BOWLS ASSOCIATION

The Australian Defence Force Lawn Bowls Association (ADFLBA) played their National Championships at Ipswich United Bowls Club late last year.

The teams played for the Ian Johnson Trophy over two days, then played in their servicesAirforce v Navy v Army - for the Tug Wilson Trophy.

Bowls Queensland assisted the ADFLBA select their National Teams with BQ Selectors Brad Harris and Christina Pavlov attending the event. BQ was happy to receive a letter of thanks (right) from the ADF Lawn Bowls Association.

Please accept our thanks for the provision of Bowls Queensland State Selectors Christine Pavlov and Brad Harris during our recent Australian Defence Force Lawn Bowls Association (ADFLBA) National Championships conducted at United Sports Club Ipswich, Queensland amplified their professionalism, both as selectors and watched all 52 Defence bowlers from all over Australia and, in many

Representative Squad for 2022/23, typified their personal contribution country. There was high praise from many of the competitors with the

Once again it cannot be expressed enough the sincere gratitude for thanks and convey my personal thanks to both Chrissy and Brad. They represented Bowls Queensland in the highest order. Both members remarked on how much they enjoyed the week and would relish the opportunity to assist again and I have no doubt that the members of

I would also like to mention the support of the United Sports Club. John and his staff, along with the bowling fraternity, supported our championships with excellent results. To cater and accommodate our event over the week is no small feat, and we are certain they will be able to manage our event as we grow our numbers and return to the greens. The staff and members made us all feel very welcome and is a

INAUGURAL QLD HIGH PERFORMANCE ACADEMY SQUAD ANNOUNCED

Following the January announcement introducing the new Queensland High Performance Academy Program, encompassing athletes aged between 15 to 30, sixteen of Queensland’s ‘Next Generation of Champions’ have been identified to join forces as part of the inaugural squad for 2023.

The squad members have been recognised for inclusion into the development program based on their strong performances and results at State based events, as well as exhibiting strong personal qualities and a keen ambition to strive for success at the highest level.

All athletes will work closely with Academy Manager and Queensland Pathways Coach Lynsey Clarke and Bowls Queensland Coaching Committee Coordinator Alan Thorp, who will provide a structured training environment, educational learning opportunities, mentorship, support, encouragement and guidance.

Clarke is really excited about what the platform can provide for the many aspiring young bowlers coming through the ranks across Queensland.

“We have such a talented pool of young super stars spread throughout our fantastic State, the hardest part of the job has been to narrow down our squad list for the first year!”

“We are delighted with our first intake of squad members for 2023 and look forward to working closely with them to further develop, grow, and increase their skill sets and personal qualities both on and off the bowls green.”

“Ultimately we (and the program) are all about helping assist our Squaddies to achieve their dreams and fulfil their potential”.

We congratulate the incoming Queensland High Performance Academy Squad for 2023.

SQUAD

GIRLS

• Amy Evans – Hamilton

• Ashlee Knight – Mackay City

• Jacinta Weier – Hamilton

• Julia Brownie – West Toowoomba

• Lexie Foot – Northern Beaches Mackay

• Madi Styles – South Townsville

• Olivia Rothwell – Enoggera

• Stella Palmer – Roma

BOYS

• Dale McWhinney Shillington – Burleigh Heads

• Hayden Oster – Kandanga

• John Hammond – Roma

• Justin Cribben – Jubilee

• Mitch Mears – Broadbeach

• Nic G osley – Pialba

• Riley Gerick – Belmont Services

• Ty Jesberg – Club Tweed

VALE NIGEL SMITH

COMING UP: PRESIDENTS XII CUP

April 21-22, 2023 at Capalaba Sports Club

Bowls Queensland was saddened to hear of the passing of Nigel Smith.

Nigel represented the Queensland Over 60’s team on 62 occasions between 2011 – 2019 and won six State Championship Titles (Triples, Fours & O60 Pairs) including the State O60 Men’s Pairs for three years in a row with close friend Neville Jenkins. He was also part of the South Tweed State Pennant winning team in 2014.

Nigel was President of Bowls Australia for two years and served on its board for three years prior to that.

He was instrumental in bringing the Australian Open event to the Gold Coast which has continued to grow ever since.

BQ express their condolences to Nigel’s wife Judy, family and close friends.

Rest In Peace, Nigel.

The ANZAC Test Series commenced in 2014 to mark the centenary of the ANZAC legend. It commemorates the efforts of our soldiers over the past 100 years, since World War 1 started in 1914, with the centenary of ANZAC honoured in 2018. Due to the success of this series it has continued each year and will be held again in 2023, at a venue to be confirmed soon.

The Bowls Queensland Presidents XII test side is a combination of Queensland’s aspiring and experienced representatives, while the defence team is comprised of the elite bowlers of the Australian Services Bowling Association.

Each side comprises of 12 players, with best of three matches determining the winner.

Can the Australian Services Bowling Association repeat its winning performance from 2015 and claim its first title since then? Or will the maroon team hold onto the shield for yet another year?

previous winners

2022 – Bowls Queensland Presidents XII

2021 – not contested due to COVID 19

2020 – not contested due to COVID 19

2019 – Bowls Queensland Presidents XII

2018 – Bowls Queensland Presidents XII

2017 – Bowls Queensland Presidents XII

2016 – Bowls Queensland Chairmans XII

2015 – Australian Services Bowling Association

2014 – Bowls Queensland Chairmans XII

State Over-60 Men’s Pairs winners in 2013 Nigel Smith (left) & Neville Jenkins

MULTI-NATIONS SELECTIONS CONFIRMED

March 25-31, Gold Coast

By Aidan Davis

The sport’s national selection panel have edged a step closer to determining the Right at Home Australian Jackaroos and Para Jackaroos players to contest this year’s World Bowls Championships, with the naming of selections for next month’s Multi-Nations event.

The lead-in international competition, set to be staged on the Gold Coast from March 25-31, will feature seven nations in attendance, including New Zealand, Malaysia, South Africa, Ireland, Hong Kong China and Norfolk Island, with Australia fielding two teams – Australian Jackaroos Green and Australian Jackaroos Yellow.

The Multi-Nations will be the last international event featuring a full team contingent on Australian soil ahead of the sport’s marquee event, the World Bowls Championships. This event is contested across five Gold Coast clubs from August 29-September 10, with selectors using the occasion to cast an eye over a field featuring four vision-impaired, four para men, four para women, 10 open men and 10 open women players. Last year’s Commonwealth Games para men’s and women’s silver medallists are among those set to compete, with Queenslanders Cheryl Lindfield and Serena Bonnell lining up alongside each other once again, while Damien Delgado (Queensland) and Chris Flavel will be united with new teammates on this occasion, with Delgado teaming up with Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and newly appointed NSW/ACT Pathways Coach James Reynolds, while Flavel will be joined by 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Queenslander Tony Bonnell, and rounding out the eight selected para players is Louise Hoskins (Queensland) and Jo Hunter.

In the vision-impaired discipline, last year’s pairing of Helen Boardman and Jake Fehlberg will be acquainted with new partners, with Boardman (Queensland) leading for Fred McConnell, while 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Fehlberg (Queensland) will skip for Jaqueline Hudson.

In the open ranks, all three 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal winning players have retained their positions but are spread across the two teams.

Back-to-back Commonwealth Games singles winner Aaron Wilson headlines the Australian Jackaroos Green Team, in the blue-ribbon men’s singles and skip of the pairs, while Corey Wedlock and Ben Twist each have an opportunity to make a mark on the event as skip of the triples and fours respectively.

Australia’s most capped competitor, Queensland’s golden girl Kelsey Cottrell, returns to the fold after being unavailable for the Commonwealth Games campaign, slotting in the Green Team’s prime women’s singles

position and will also skip the triples with teammates Bolivia Millerick and Chloe Stewart, while Dawn Hayman will take the reins of pairs and fours.

Dual 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Ellen Ryan unsurprisingly slots straight back into the coveted women’s singles position of the Australian Jackaroos Yellow Team and will reunite with fellow gold medallist Kristina Krstic in the pairs, while Natasha Van Eldik has now been afforded the opportunity to guide both the triples and fours disciplines as skip.

Aaron Teys has been tapped to return to the men’s singles role of the Yellow Team, and will lead for Cody Packer in the pairs, while 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Carl Healey has been afforded the chance to skip his own teams in both the triples and fours.

Competition will be spread across the five host clubs set to stage the World Bowls Championships in August/September, including Broadbeach, Mudgeeraba, Paradise Point, Club Helensvale and Club Musgrave.

Australian Para Jackaroos:

Vision-impaired pairs

• Helen Boardman & Fred McConnell

• Jaqueline Hudson & Jake Fehlberg

Women’s para pairs

• Cheryl Lindfield & Serena Bonnell

• Louise Hoskins & Jo Hunter

Men’s para pairs

• Tony Bonnell & Chris Flavel

• Damien Delgado & James Reynolds

Australian Jackaroos – Green Team:

• Singles: Kelsey Cottrell

• Pairs: Jamie Lee Worsnop & Dawn Hayman

• Triples: Bolivia Millerick, Chloe Stewart & Kelsey Cottrell

• Fours: Jamie Lee Worsnop, Bolivia Millerick, Chloe Stewart & Dawn Hayman

• Singles: Aaron Wilson

• Pairs: Ben Twist & Aaron Wilson

• Triples: Barrie Lester, Matthew Lucas & Corey Wedlock

• Fours: Barrie Lester, Matthew Lucas, Corey Wedlock & Ben Twist

Australian Jackaroos – Yellow Team:

• Singles: Ellen Ryan

• Pairs: Kristina Krstic & Ellen Ryan

• Triples: Kylie Whitehead, Lynsey Clarke & Natasha Van Eldik

• Fours: Kristina Krstic, Kylie Whitehead, Lynsey Clarke & Natasha Van Eldik

• Singles: Aaron Teys

• Pairs: Aaron Teys & Cody Packer

• Triples: Jesse Noronha, Aron Sherriff & Carl Healey

• Fours: Jesse Noronha, Cody Packer, Aron Sherriff & Carl Healey

MACKAY CITY celebrates 100 years

Mackay City Bowls Club celebrated its centenary recently with a three-day event, kicking off with a wine and cheese party on Friday night, February 3.

Past and present members were joined by Bowls Queensland President Peter Williamson and Vice President Kerry Green, who congratulated the club on its achievements since 1923.

The 2023 Council for Mackay City Bowls Club L-R: Jeff Neeve, Paul McKay, Joe Taylor, Dennis Frederickson, Mike Beale, Ian Nicolas, Vince McSherry, Warren Sturgeon & Mike Newberry

Centenary cake

Ladies’ President Marie Frederickson presenting gifts to President Warren Sturgeon

Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert

MP praised the club’s community spirit, while Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, congratulated all and reminded the club of their humble beginnings.

Club President Warren Sturgeon acknowledged ‘the many’ who had gone before and sustained the club for all its years.

He made mention that as today’s custodians, may members continue to keep ‘CITY’ alive and prosperous well into the future.

The club was festooned with memorabilia, with achievements, photographs, trophies, newspaper clippings and pennant flags proudly on display.

Saturday’s games had a vintage feel about them when member Gary Putland arrived in his vintage car, with the family dressed in their finest vintage clothing all ready for a game of bowls.

Saturday night was the formal dinner, with festivities concluding on the Sunday with a fours tournament.

All districts sent a fours team, which meant that 36 teams were there to help celebrate this significant milestone and play some good bowls.

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BQ President Peter Williamson presenting a Centenary plaque to Warren Sturgeon, Mackay City BC President

Life members cutting the cake L-R: Vince McSherry, Snow Oschatz & Peter Wright

A weekend of formality and fun and the popular memorabilia display will be long remembered by all.

“Many thanks to BQ’s Peter Williamson and Kerry Green for their attendance over our Centenary Weekend” Warren Sturgeon said.

“Their presence, kind words and willingness to participate in all the planned activities helped make this a memorable time in our club’s history.”

Gary and Ann Putland with family arriving in their Vintage Whippet model 96 (1927) car on Saturday afternoon for ‘Historical Bowls’ at Mackay City

Gary and Ann Putland at ‘Historical Bowls’

Past Presidents L-R: Vince McSherry, Des Menzies & Snow Oschatz

L-R: Kerry Green (Vice President BQ), Scott Cronin (District President) & Vince McSherry (Patron)

George Pratt and Doc Ross admiring the memorabilia

Youngest member of the club, Ashlee Knight, who was recently selected for the High Performance Academy (see p8)

Nominations now open for Queensland Volunteering Awards

Does your club have some stellar volunteers? People who do it all, from selling raffle tickets to welcoming visitors.

During National Volunteer Week 15-21 May 2023, volunteers from all over Queensland will be recognised at the Queensland Volunteering Awards at Brisbane City Hall.

In a year that continues to see so much uncertainty with the continued disruption of COVID-19, devastating natural disasters and rising costs of living, the one thing Queenslanders have been able to count on is the selfless generosity, hard work and commitment of our extraordinary volunteers who have worked tirelessly to support their communities.

Queensland’s volunteers have always been the life force of their communities, extending helping hands and fostering vital human connections that give hope and meaning to the lives of others. Despite the fall in volunteering in formal settings, informal volunteering continues to thrive, often hiding in the shadows of sporting clubs, schools and charities.

The Queensland Volunteering Awards acknowledge and honour the astonishing contribution and spirit of service of all Queensland volunteers and volunteer involving organisations. The Awards are presented across six categories:

• Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award

• Queensland Youth Volunteer of the Year Award

• Queensland Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award

• Queensland Excellence in Volunteer Management Award

• Queensland Volunteering Impact Award

• Queensland Corporate Volunteering Award

Volunteering Queensland is privileged to present the Awards and we want to recognise the contributions from each and every region of Queensland. We also recognise that one of Queensland’s strengths is its diversity and the collective contribution of all its citizens. We therefore welcome and encourage nominations from all members and sectors of the community.

Volunteering Queensland CEO Mara Basanovic said, “The power and spirit of volunteering is alive and well across Queensland and evidenced every day. Queenslanders are generous, compassionate, and supportive of one another and their local and wider communities.”

To nominate, visit the Volunteering Queensland website.

• Web Queensland Volunteering Awards – Volunteering Queensland https://volunteeringqld.org.au

• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringQld

• Twitter https://twitter.com/volunteeringqld

• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/volunteeringqld/

https://volunteeringqld.org.au/initiatives/queensland-volunteering-awards/

BOWLS Premier League

Western Outlaws on hunt for finals

By Kelsey Cottrell

A spot in the QLD Premier League has long been a sign of club supremacy with only the strongest clubs bestowed the honour to compete.

South-East Queensland clubs have dominated the invitation list since its inception with the likes of Club Helensvale, Burleigh Heads, South Tweed Sports, Hamilton and Club Pine Rivers often lifting the trophy in what is arguably one of the strongest club competitions in the country.

But the competition is better for Queensland to have a wider representation of clubs outside the metropolitan areas.

The Down’s District had eyed off the competition as an opportunity to mix it with the best clubs, and the best players we have in this country, but also give bowlers from neighbouring country regions the exposure to an elite club competition.

When the North Toowoomba Bowls Club was taken over and competing in the Premier League was no longer a priority for the club’s new owners, aspiring top levels bowlers from the country were fortunate enough to stumble across a saviour and remain in the Premier League.

In steps the City Golf Club (Toowoomba) who have bought the Drayton Bowls Club just down the road. They saw a great opportunity to re-enter the Premier League to help lift the profile of bowls in Toowoomba and increase the bowling strength of the club which was once upon a time a very social bowls club.

“We took a punt having to qualify to get back in the league, it was a bad weekend for us with so many players out because of North vs South taking place in Mackay and a carnival in town so we had players out, but we beat Carina Bowls Club and that was the big result for us to get back into the Premier League,” said club selector Gavin Bradford.

Toowoomba’s finest are back in the Premier League Queensland

Western Outlaws preparing for play

“Once we’ve been back in the competition, the support has been awesome, and the City Golf Club in particular, has been incredibly supportive, financially assisting us to purchase marquee players and that has triggered an influx of players from further west joining Drayton Bowls Club for the chance to play Premier League with and against the best.”

Players as far west as Roma and Cunnamulla have been selected and are being exposed on a weekly basis to what top level bowls looks like in the South-East pocket of Queensland.

Mid-way through the season the Western Outlaws are still in the hunt for finals. Victories against the likes of Club Helensvale give the Western Outlaws hope they can match it with the best and continue to strive for improvement as a club.

“We think more bowlers will join Drayton Bowls Club once Premier League is finished and they see what the club, and being part of this competition has to offer,” said Bradford.

The Premier League finals will take place at Musgrave Hill on March 18th to 19th with the top five sides from both the Premier and Reserves Grades qualifying for finals.

L-R: Western Outlaws Steve McNamee & Joel Smith with Helensvale Hawks Shannon Mcllroy & Isaac Maughan

L-R: Western Outlaws Kaylene Weir & Haydn Weir with Helensvale Hawks Candice Ayton & Gene Ayton

WHERE IS QUEENSLANDER CASSANDRA MILLERICK NOW?

By Kelsey Cottrell

Talk about taking an opportunity with both hands and running with it, that is exactly what Gin Gin/Bundaberg prodigy and former Queensland representative, Cassandra Millerick, has done since moving to the Victorian-New South Wales border town of Moama.

If you have been a keen follower of bowls in Queensland for some time, you would know the name Millerick. The twins Cassandra and Bolivia are much loved wherever they have gone and were identified as Queensland’s next best stars from a very young age.

Bolivia has gone on to represent Australia, but now twin sister Cassandra is hot on her heels, working her way through the Australian Pathways system which has been somewhat fast-tracked thanks to opportunities which have emerged from joining powerhouse bowling club Moama.

Cassandra was somewhat living in the shadows of her sister Bolivia who was the first to crack the Australian Jackaroos squad, but now Cassandra is lining up in events such as the Bowls Premier League and Ultimate Bowls Championships with the likes of Alex Marshall, Aron Sherriff and Ryan Bester.

“It’s been amazing, playing with the best in the world boosts my experience and confidence on the green,” said Millerick.

“The biggest thing I’ve learnt playing with the best players in the world is not to be short but also just relax and enjoy yourself.”

Whilst she pinches herself, her success has been more than just a case of being in the right place at the right time; hard work and dedication not to mention that down to earth personality has contributed to her rapid rise in the sport.

Cassandra Millerick representing Sunshine Coast District in 2014

Cassandra Millerick in action representing Club Moama

Photo: Bowls Australia

“I’m training a lot more, still bowling as much as I did in Queensland but getting to play in such big events has been great; I’ve had great opportunities since I’ve moved to Moama,” she said.

On a more personal note, Cassandra is now engaged to former Scottish International Bowler Kevin Anderson who took the job of Bowls Manager at Moama Bowls Club. That required them both to pack up their lives on the Gold Coast and head away from family and friends to chase careers in bowls.

“She’s taken the move in her stride and got straight into the Victorian team, won the Victorian Champion of Champion Singles in her first year and settled in so well,” said her partner Kevin. “She’s fitting in well at a new club, getting the opportunity to play backend most of the time, and she’s been given some great opportunities that she wouldn’t have got in Queensland to play with better players.”

Cassandra is currently a member of the Australian Emerging Jackaroos and is working harder than ever to push selectors for that prized spot in the Australian Open Jackaroos alongside sister Bolivia. Whilst Queenslanders will have to compete against Cassandra at National Events as she now plays third in the Victorian State Team, we will watch our former Queensland prodigy with great interest and hope one day she returns home with an Australian cap number.

State Pairs runners-up 2020 Cassandra Millerick & Natasha Jones

Cassandra (left) and Bolivia Millerick ready to play in the State Championship Pairs in 2016

Australian Sides 2018 Players of the Series Nathan Rice & Cassandra Millerick

State Pairs Champions 2021 Cassandra Millerick & Kelsey Cottrell

GETTING TO KNOW JOHN KIRKPATRICK

Many readers will have met John during the years he has been BQ’s Umpire Committee Co-ordinator. If you know John, then you will be familiar with his dedication and dry wit.

Born in Millmerran, John first took up bowls at the age of 25 while living in Mackay. Mackay Bowls Club was the first club John joined as a favour to the local undertaker at the time. John remembers that in those days it was men only, the president was a local businessman named ‘Williamson’ and both of the lovely bar staff were called ‘Rhonda’. Over the years, John has belonged to Mackay, Goondiwindi, Warwick, Charleville, Innisfail and Springwood Bowls Clubs and is currently a member at Capalaba. Membership at these clubs has moved in line with his 40-year role as a policeman.

Amongst his bowls experiences, John has won four club competitions, played in State titles, met some good and honest people with “good competitive spirit and when the game’s over, they say let’s have a beer and forget about it”. Overall, he credits bowls with helping him make ‘lifelong friends’.

When he first completed the umpire’s exam, there were 100 questions and you had to get 90% right. Nowadays, the onus is not quite as daunting and accreditations are carried out by a process of quizzes, matching correct answers with questions.

Giving something back to the sport was what motivated John to take up a volunteer role with Bowls Queensland. He has been an umpire for close to 50 years and has answered many questions from people across the State over those years, which has kept his brain active. He would like to give a shout-out to Cath Crowe at BQ for her assistance in making his job easier over the years.

When asked what he thinks about bowls today, John feels that the sport is still the same as when he first started playing.

“The unfortunate part about it today is that a lot of people, including the younger brigade, are time-poor, and a game of bowls can take a few hours to play.

“Most clubs are doing barefoot bowls now, which is a form of bowls.”

John Kirkpatrick, BQ Umpire Committee Co-ordinator

John at the 2014 State District Sides Championships

John in umpiring action in 2017

John has noticed over the years that when bowls is taken up as a junior, most young people move away from the sport towards other interests and family time, but come back to it later in life and comment on how much they had missed the game.

John has some advice for people thinking about taking up bowls.

“Bowls is one of those sports you can have a lot of fun with and make many friends,” he said.

“Bowls clubs would not survive without volunteers, so don’t be frightened to put your hand up and do a job that puts something back into your club.”

John has many interesting and funny stories to share, gleaned from years of playing bowls. This is just one of John’s stories:

“Many years ago, while playing in a two-day bowls tournament in Toowoomba, we played a team from Ipswich and had a very comfortable win.

Whilst having lunch, the lead of the team from Ipswich commented to the rest of his team “when we’re on the way home, as we cross the Bremer River, stop in the middle of the bridge so I can throw my bowls into the river”.

Our lead, in a somewhat sympathetic voice said, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you”. With that, the player from Ipswich said, “why is that?”. Our lead replied, “the way you played, you would probably miss the river!”

John Walker with John Kirkpatrick at BQ Headquarters

John closely monitoring a game in 2015

FUNDING is open! don’t miss out

The Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport Funding has released more funding opportunities, many of which could be suitable for clubs and bowlers.

Any organisation wishing to apply for sport and recreation funding must first register in the Sport and Recreation’s Grant Registration Portal (GRP): https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/grants-portal If your organisation is registered and you have an account, ensure that your Grant Registration Portal contact details are up to date.

Funding is available as below:

FairPlay Vouchers “Empowering you to move”

Round 8 now open for parents, carers and guardians to apply for a voucher valued up to $150 for their child (between the ages of 5 and 17 years), which can be used towards sport and active recreation membership, registration or participation fees with registered activity providers. You must be resident in Queensland to be eligible to apply for this grant.

Apply here: https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay/apply

Closing March, 29 2023 (or earlier if fully allocated).

Emerging Athletes Program - Ongoing

Supports eligible young athletes, coaches and officials aged 10-18 years with financial assistance to attend state, national and international events.

Apply here: https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/emerging-athlete-pathways

First Nations Sport and Recreation Program – Round 2 - Opening soon (April 2023)

Aims to provide physical activity opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Queensland.

Guidelines for all programs can be found on the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport funding and grants website: https://www.dtis.qld.gov.au/sport/funding-programs

For more information, please contact North Coast office on (07) 5459 6176 or email: sportrecnorthcoast@dtis.qld.gov.au

Grant opportunities for clubs

The new year is off to a flying start and while many of us are looking at how we can keep our clubs looking modern and well-maintained, we often overlook grant opportunities. Many organisations and government authorities are willing to provide grants as it creates positive community mindedness, advertising and tax advantages.

The challenge for clubs is to grasp these opportunities and take full advantage of what is on offer. Grants come in all shapes and sizes and a great way to get your foot in the door is to make yourself known to councils, local members, state members and federal members. Invite them to come along to a present an award at one of your club’s big days. For example, if your club has an event for Breast Cancer Awareness, invite a member or two along to present the awards. The members then get to touch and feel your club and get an understanding of how important your club is to the broader community.

While they are there, take them for a walk around your club and let them know the plans you have for the future. For example, tell them if you are planning on upgrading the kitchen to serve more meals, improving the function area, updating air conditioning, improving lighting for the greens or refurbishing the restrooms to provide a space for the community.

Continue to invite them and make them feel part of the club, don’t make your invitation a once-off. They will

get to know the members and start to understand your plans, then hopefully look at how they can assist you in reaching your goals and plans. If you do happen to receive a grant from one of these members of groups, invite them to come along and open the area. A good idea is to have their name on a plaque to commemorate the opening. EVERYONE loves to see their name on a plaque. The effort you put in can improve the outcome of your efforts.

Lastly, remember there can be a fair bit of work in grant writing so if you are not up to it, find someone who is. You may be surprised by who puts their hand up. If you can’t find anyone at the club, then advertise in the local newspaper or ask members if they know anyone who can help. You never know, there may be someone outside the club who wants to help the community in some way. If you have tried this to no avail and cannot see any other options then, in my opinion, look for a professional grant writer.

While they charge you a fee, it can be well worth it. For example if you apply for a grant for $20,000 and the grant writer charges 5%, you may pay the grant writer $1,000 but your club is still $19,000 better off. With a $100,000 grant, you are $95,000 better off. Many clubs do a great job in this area and they are reaping the benefits. Jump on board the grant writing express. You will be amazed as to where it can take you.

with David Barnes

BOWLS GR8 FOR BRAINS LAUNCHES IN GYMPIE

Bowls Gr8 for Brains is “A Lawn Bowling Peer Supported Initiative” founded in Albury, NSW.

Veterans of the Armed Services and Former First Responders came together to find a different type of community-based activity to respond to the ever-increasing rates of suicide and self-harm in Australia.

Bowls Gr8 for Brains launched its Queensland program on Sunday January 22, 2023 at The Albert Bowls Club, Gympie with special guests Darryl Coventry (founder and director of Bowls GR8 for Brains in Australia), Mayor Glen Hartwig (Gympie Region) and Kylie James (founder and director of Veterans Retreat).

The launch saw nearly 50 people attend and share in a fun game of bowls, watch an exhibition match between recent State Gold Medal Juniors (Cody Gerick, Lacey Gerick and Riley Gerick) against some of the seniors, hear some inspirational speeches and enjoy a sausage sizzle!

Bowls Gr8 for Brains operates free regular lawn bowls sessions where veterans and emergency services personnel, and other people living with mental health challenges and disabilities, can take part in a community activity, get some exercise and meet other like-minded community members and share their experiences.

The Albert Bowls Club will run sessions twice a month. Bowls Gr8 for Brains is supported by Bowls Australia, Open Arms Australia, Henselite and multiple bowling clubs across Australia.

Further information can also be found on the Bowls Gr8 for Brains Facebook page: @bowlsgr8forbrains

The Volunteer Team at The Albert Bowls Club L-R: Gus Window, Mike Linnane, Peter Bannister, Scott Coventry, Darryl Coventry, Balan Pillay & Steve Kell

Darryl Coventry (Founder & Director of Bowls GR8 for Brains in Australia), Mayor Glen Hartwig (Gympie Mayor), Balan Pillay (Games Director at The Albert Bowls Club)

Kylie James (Founder & Director of Veterans Retreat in Gympie) under the guidance of Balan Pillay

Contributed by Balan Pillay

Umpire with Joan Brotherton

Positions when playing fours in team events and championships

As we are entering March, a number of our competitions are well underway, and I hope that you all are enjoying these games. I know the weather has not been kind but hopefully the information that I advised in the February Umpire Column has been of assistance to you.

I have been requested by a number of players, especially new players, to write about the various positions when playing Fours, especially in team events and club and district championships.

The most important thing to remember, is that all positions are important, and each has a particular law that applies, however good team members encourage each other. Please see below laws from Laws of the Sport of Bowls:

40.3 - LEAD:

Being the Lead is an important position, as it can have a positive influence on the team and the game. The Lead of the team that won the previous end is to play first in an end and must:

40.3.1. place the mat as described in law 6.1.1, and

40.3.2. deliver the jack and make sure that it is centred before delivering the first bowl of the end. Something to remember – when placing the mat, I always look and face the rink number and that assists me in placing the mat on the centre line as described in law 6.1.1.

SECOND:

The Second has equal attributes as a Lead and they have a number of duties as follows:

• Introduce your Team Members to the opposing Team.

• B e responsible for the scorecard supplied by the Controlling Body while play is in progress.

• Check that all names are on the scorecard and are correct, if not, enter all names and positions.

• Record on the scorecard, all shots scored for and against the team as each end is completed.

• Compare the scorecard with that of the opposing second as each end is completed.

• Change the scoreboard every second end and also check that it is correct.

• At the end of the game, complete and compare the scorecard, write the time that the game finished and then sign the scorecard and hand to the opposing second for their signature.

• When completed and correct, hand the scorecard to the Manager or Controlling Body as advised.

40.2 – THIRD:

The Third is also an important person in a Team, as it requires many talents and effective communication skills with your Skip.

40.2.1. The third can measure any and all disputed shots.

40.2.2. The third can tell the skip the number of shots scored for or against their team as each end is completed.

Remember – always come to an agreement with the opposing third regarding the shot/s, if not call the umpire on duty.

40.1 – SKIP:

(following are the main laws relating to the Skip):

The skip requires many talents as they are in a leadership role of the Team.

40.1.1. The skip will have sole charge of the team and all players in the team must follow the skip’s instructions.

40.1.2. The skip must decide all disputed points with the opposing skip, making sure that any decision reached is in line with the Laws of the Sport of Bowls

40.1.3. If the skips need to check any part of the Laws of the Sport of Bowls before reaching a decision, they must ask the umpire for an explanation.

40.1.4. If the umpire considers that a decision reached by the skips is not in line with the Laws of the Sport of Bowls, the umpire must overrule that decision, so that it is in line with the laws.

40.1.5. If the skips cannot reach agreement on any disputed point, they must ask the umpire to make a decision. The umpire’s decision is final.

MANAGER:

A manager/player or non-player can be appointed by each club for various competitions that are being played – e.g., Premier League Qld., GR8 Bowls Challenge, Q7’s Qld., District Sides Competitions that cover games that are played that have a number of teams in the side. The club shall be responsible for issuing all managers with a copy of the Conditions of Play, result sheets, scorecards, and list of team members.

Duties:

The Team Manager does the draw for rinks and teams’ opponents.

• Mark the scorecards accordingly.

• Conduct the toss and winner decides who plays first and advise the teams.

• Distribute and collect signed scorecards and retain until the conclusion of the Season.

• Complete the result sheets with the opposing Manager after each match.

• Must ensure that players’ details are correctly recorded – e.g., spelling of names/playing positions.

• When all details are completed, compare, and sign each result sheet.

• Hand to Secretary/Representative of the Host Club for faxing to the controlling body.

• Manager is responsible for all appeals. If unable to agree they shall appeal to the Umpire.

• If the game is weather affected the scorecards must be ruled off and signed by the Umpire and retained.

• If rain prevents commencement of play at the scheduled time, the manager to telephone host club and advise team members accordingly and Controlling Body.

I know that some of the above competitions/championships are not only teams of fours, therefore I suggest that you read Definitions B – Players on Page 9 which covers the following:

B.Players:

B.1. Side: any agreed number of teams or singles players (or a combination of teams and singles players) whose combined scores decide the result of a competition.

B.2. Skip: the player who is in charge of the team.

B.3. Team Play:

B3.1. Team: a pair, a triple or a four.

B3.2. Pair: a team of two players whose positions, in order of play, are “lead” and “skip”.

B3.3. Triple: a team of three players whose positions, in order of play, are “lead”, “second”, and “skip”.

B3.4. Four: a team of four players whose positions, in order of play are “lead”, “second”, “third” and “skip”. Please continue to enjoy all your games and play to the Laws of the Sport of Bowls and each Conditions of Play as set out by the controlling bodies of each event.

Victoria Point Ladies Bowls Club’s GR8 Gamma Ruby Team made up of one set of fours, two sets of pairs, a reserve and manager.

Victoria Point Ladies Bowls Club’s GR8 Gamma Diamond Team made up of one set of fours, two sets of pairs and manager (reserve missing from photo)

Catering Agreements: Ensuring your Clubs’ Needs are Catered to

With the quality of food offerings being an important consideration for bowls clubs looking to attract and retain business, it is becoming increasingly common for clubs to outsource some, or all, of the catering responsibilities for their venues to third-party caterers. Commonly, bowls clubs may engage a caterer to manage the on-site restaurant or café, cater for specific events and functions at their premises, or both.

Such catering agreements generally fall into one of two categories:

1. The third-party caterer pays a fixed fee to the bowls club licensee for the right to use part of the premises to provide their catering service, and the caterer receives the full profit from all food sales. This is common when your bowls club engages a more experienced caterer, and usually reduces your catering responsibilities.

2. The bowls club pays a fee to the caterer (whether a fixed fee or one calculated as a percentage of profits from the food sales) so that the bowls club can still participate in some of the profits from the food sales. This is common with smaller catering operators who may be happy to allow your bowls club to retain greater control over the food offering.

Key Considerations

Before finalising the agreement, it’s important to give careful thought to its financial aspects. This includes determining the rent or lease costs, profit-sharing or turnover-based arrangements, and identifying who will bear the responsibility of paying for operating expenses such as electricity, gas, water, and other outgoings, as well as maintaining and repairing equipment and facilities. Additionally, it’s common for caterers to be required to acquire appropriate insurance and pay a security bond to cover any costs associated with breaching the agreement.

It is also important that all parties are clear on staffing and management arrangements, including which staff are employed by the bowls club, as opposed to the caterer. In this regard, while your bowls club can subcontract food and meal services to the caterer, the same cannot be said for service of liquor. Accordingly, the caterer cannot be involved in the service, or collection of payment for alcohol, and all staff involved in the service of liquor, including “glassies” employed to clear tables, should be employed by the bowls club and hold a valid Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification. For this reason, patrons will commonly order their meal from the caterer at a separate counter, before purchasing their drinks from the bowls club at the bar.

Other important considerations include determining who will be responsible for cleaning different parts of the premises and ensuring that there are no restrictions in place to prevent the caterer from providing similar services to local competitors. Bowls clubs should also establish contractual controls over the caterer, such as setting minimum standards for food quality, trading hours, menu offerings, and pricing.

OLGR Approval

Technically, the Liquor Act and Gaming Machine Act do not require catering agreements to be approved by the OLGR. However, it is prudent to take proper legal advice regarding the preparation of your agreement to ensure it does not take on the flavour of a lease or management agreement, which does require OLGR approval.

The items outlined above are just a few of the issues bowls clubs should consider in preparing a catering agreement. Different bowls clubs will have different requirements, and it is important that any agreement is tailored to the specific needs of the individual bowls club and caterer. If you are thinking of engaging a caterer at your bowls club but are not sure where to start, or if you require assistance to prepare a

catering agreement, please call me, Matt Bradford, at 07 3224 0353.

WHAT’S YOUR CLUB BEEN DOING?

Yandina Open Fours Tournament

The Yandina Bowls Club (Club Yandina) has preparations well underway to host their Open Fours Tournament again on the weekend of April, 1-2. Last year’s tournament saw Club Yandina host 28 teams for the weekend, with teams coming from all over South East Queensland and as far away as Charleville. This year’s tournament promises to be even bigger and better, with teams entering fast to compete for the $5,500 prize pool. Local businesses have shown their support again for the event, through generous sponsorship and donations of raffle prizes.

Club Yandina sees this annual Open Fours Tournament as a fantastic opportunity to introduce visiting bowlers, their families and friends to the homely delights of the club, the historic hinterland township of Yandina and the surrounding Sunshine Coast areas. Local bowlers and visitors are, of course, always welcome at Club Yandina. Why not try Social Pairs Bowls on Tuesdays from 1pm or Friday Barefoot Bowls from 4pm? For more information, please follow Club Yandina on Facebook, or contact them at (07)544 671 26, or by email at yandinabowlsclubinc@bigpond.com

Chermside’s Pink Day

A great day of fun and bowls was enjoyed by more than 100 bowlers at Club Chermside to commemorate the Jane McGrath and St Vincent’s Private Hospital Pink Day. Most people wore pink attire and those who didn’t, were fined $5 by the Pink Police who scrutinised all the players throughout the day.

More than $4,400 was raised to be donated to the charities. A big thank you to all those who participated.

Contributed by Leon Granzien

Mapleton’s Paul encourages everyone to give bowls a go

Paul Carson was a fit young man who loved the outdoors, until his life changed dramatically after sustaining a spinal cord injury.

In July 2003, Paul had a workplace accident, which meant spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair. With his career in concrete construction and his personal life in pieces, Paul found himself searching for meaningful employment and new interests.

Work Cover proposed retraining him for office work, but a 9-5 desk job was not the right solution for a number of reasons and his search continued.

Paul threw himself into sport and travel, while also accepting the opportunity to be a workplace safety presenter for Paraplegics Benefit Fund (PBF).

Paul’s ability to connect with people and tell his story has had immeasurable impact in workplaces across Australia.

Paul’s foray into wheelchair sport began in 2005 when he joined the Sunshine Coast Spinners Basketball team. He played with the Spinners for eight years and served as club president during that time.

In the years that followed, he also tackled tennis, hand cycling and outrigger canoeing. In 2014, he was chosen to participate in the World Outrigger Canoe Sprint Championships in Rio de Janeiro. Paul’s passion for travel continued after his accident, starting with the purchase of a VW Trike and a tour of the eastern states of Australia.

After travelling to 20 countries including Borneo, Vietnam, Cuba, Peru, Brazil and Chile, Paul found many of these countries under-equipped for disability access, but he was never fazed. Surprisingly, or perhaps not, it was language and not stairs that proved to be the biggest challenge.

Back at home on the Sunshine Coast, a chance meeting with a fellow chair basketballer in Mooloolaba sparked Paul’s next passion – lawn bowls.

A few coaching sessions and games of bowls later and Paul was on his way. Mooloolaba was a little far to travel for regular bowls, so when a colleague invited him to Mapleton Bowls Club, just up the road from home, he decided to check it out.

As soon as he had wheeled himself up the ramp and through the door, Paul was immediately taken with the warmth and country style hospitality of the club.

It was no trouble for members of the club to put together a ramp for easy access to the green, and to provide storage space for Paul’s bowls wheel-chair.

It didn’t take long before Paul was playing pennants in the green and white Mapleton colours (Sunshine Coast Men’s District). He also played in the 2022 Multi Disability State Championship held in Chermside where he competed in the B5/B6 disability classification. Currently he is playing in the Bowler’s Paradise Hinterland Local League.

Paul says most clubs have a ramp, and everyone is great with helping set it up. If clubs are considering getting a new ramp, he recommends a light-weight fibreglass model that folds up and can be easily carried.

It was while he was out playing, talking to other bowlers, and setting himself up with gear, that Paul could see the need for a bowls shop to serve the hinterland and northern regions of the Sunshine Coast.

With a lot of determination, and a little help from a family friend who had some contacts, he opened The Bowls Shop in Yandina. Paul continues to enjoy his bowls and would like to encourage anyone, with or without a disability, to give it a go.

Paul in action during the 2022 Multi Disability State Championships

Contributed by Penny Shaw

Stuart on his way to 2023 Special Olympics

If you want to meet a wonderful human being, then Stuart Gorton is the person; he wants to enjoy life, have fun, meet and befriend lots of people.

Stuart became involved with bocce through his association with Gaythorne Bowls Club, who have allowed him to use their facilities to practice. He had no real expectations; he just wanted to improve his game and have fun whilst practising. Not content with playing bocce, Stuart now plays lawn bowls, eight ball and table tennis - all at competition level.

Having already represented Australia at previous Special Olympics and Asia Pacific Games, Stuart is just as excited to be going to Germany for the June 2023 Special Olympics as he was the first time he competed internationally. He is practising every Thursday night with a local bocce club and will soon be going to Melbourne for a National Training Camp, where he will meet the other members of the Australian team. There will be more than 7,000 athletes from around the world converging on Germany to play many sports, of which 66 athletes will be from Australia. The bocce team consists of two female and two male players.

It is important to note that none of these Australian members get any financial support and must do their own fundraising of $9,000 to be able to represent Australia. They even pay for their uniforms themselves.

Stuart has wonderful support from his parents and friends, and members from the Gaythorne Bowls Club are organising some events at the club to support Stuart on this journey. Everyone who meets him soon learns what a wonderful and deserving person he is and we wish him every success in Germany.

Contributed by Graham Skelton

Junior Come & Try at Marlin Coast

Marlin Coast Bowls Club recently held a Junior Come & Try day, attracting 13 participants. The turnout was much better than the Come & Try day in late December, where only five children participated. Granted, it was just before Christmas and probably a little inconvenient for some. We spoke with a couple of the young bowlers and heard that, up here at least, most people still don’t see bowls as a sport for juniors.

The thing is, sometimes it is not just about the number of participants. One of the mothers is a homeschooler. We mentioned holding another Come & Try day in January before school holidays finished, and she agreed it was a good idea. It was a much better turnout this time with the 13 young bowlers, especially given the inclement weather and illness that kept others away.

The children had a lot of fun, due to the efforts of several club members who did an excellent job in showing them how to bowl. We also had fun activities for the children, like trying to bowl between bollards, down tunnels, over discs, and onto cloth mats.

They had so much fun that the Cairns Home Education system has decided to make bowls a fortnightly Friday event, appropriately called ‘Friday Fun’. How good is that!

Contributed by Christine Scott

Stuart Gorton

Club Helensvale gives back to local community

Club Helensvale has continued to support local charities, schools, sporting groups and organisations through their Community Benefit Fund. The club has proudly donated more than $100,000 back to their community since the club re-opened after the global pandemic hit in 2020.

Whilst there have been challenges for the hospitality industry, Club Helensvale has remained true to their word; promising to donate $25,000 twice a

year, with the full support of their General Manager Wayne Moffatt who is adamant that clubs have a responsibility to support their community.

It is always a difficult task for Club Helensvale’s Board of Directors to select the worthiest recipients and projects, and this latest round of community funding was no exception; the total funding sought from all applications was more than $62,000.

There is a diverse group of recipients including the newly established Pimpama Swimming Club and The Rainbow House organisation, three other sporting groups, a local school and charity organisation. In the past two years, Club Helensvale have financially supported over 30 organisations and countless others with non-monetary donations such as free room hire. Teenage Adventure Camps Qld (TAC-Q) is a wonderful organisation that Club Helensvale has a long and proud history of supporting.

“Teenage Adventure Camps Qld and I would like to express our huge gratitude to you for being one of our very kind supporters over the years, helping us to provide our annual Fleay’s Wildlife Adventure for disadvantaged and special needs children and our annual camps for terminally-ill teenagers and those with a life threatening, chronic illness,” TAC-Q’s Issy Asofa said.

Club Helensvale has just unveiled renovations to the interior main club, with a new café, new sports bar and upgraded gaming floor and reception area. The club now embarks on a $13 million renovation outside, building an undercover bowling green, two-storey bowlers lounge and function room with a children’s outdoor play area.

Another BIG ‘Under the Shed’ for 2023

The popular ‘Under the Shed’ was held on February, 18-19 at North Mackay Bowls Club (NMBC).

‘Under the Shed’ is a Bowls Australia Ranked Event, Tier 3 with $12,000 Prize Money. Thirty-two teams from across Queensland competed in five games across two days. The standard of play was of the highest order, with many games being decided by only one or two points.

Congratulations to the winning team, “The Dough Makers”, made up of Peter Grant, Paul Goldston, Gary Simmons and Peter Blackburn. Thanks to the major sponsors of the event, Bushman’s Bakery.

Contributed by Ian Rowan

Winners “The Dough Boys” L-R: Peter Blackburn, Peter Grant, Gary Simmons & Paul Goldston

Contributed by Kelsey Cottrell

Coaching with BQ Coaching Committee

Acquisition of Skill - Study in Motion

By Dennis O’Toole

Understanding speed is a most important element in all sports. To teach and develop speed without compromising skill and technique, we must use the principle: Get the technique correct first then correct the speed.

Speed is dependent on the ability to relax rather than just effort. Therefore, the faster you want to go, the more relaxed you must be. The types of speed will vary, for example speed on the mat, speed of the step and speed of the arm swing.

It is important for a coach to observe an athlete’s flexibility and understand that it could be hindering the way a skill is performed. Range of motion can be a limiting factor in the execution of a skill.

Remember:

• F lexibility gives us joint range - we move further.

• Strength gives us stability - we move better with more control.

Athletes are encouraged to use body weight as their training loads for body strength. Try the big five: chin ups, push ups, dips, squats and sit ups.

Stretch or flexibility exercises maintain and improve the joint range, or amount of movement joints are capable of.

The rules associated with exercise are:

1. Perform all exercise with smooth, steady rhythm

2. C o-ordinate movement with breathing

3. B e aware of what is happening in different parts of the body as you exercise

4. Never force any joint, especially a problem joint

5. It takes time to learn and then reap the benefits of any exercise program, so take it gently

6. C onstantly relate the exercise to your bowling delivery and technique.

As always, check with your doctor before starting or adapting an exercise routine.

DYNAMIC FLEXIBILITY

Dynamic flexibility is the range of motion that is used when the body is moving.

Dynamic stretches

• A rm Swings

• Side Bends

• Trunk Rotations

• L eg Swings

UPCOMING COURSES

Please contact Cath at Bowls Queensland at (07)3354 0777 if your district would like to book any of the following courses: Introductory Coach Course, Club Coach Course, Re-accreditations or Skills Day (including armed bowlers).

Use the above Dynamic Stretches as part of your warm-up and make sure the body is thoroughly warm.

Static stretches

Static flexibility refers to the range of motion which a joint or muscle can be taken and then held by a slow and forceful movement. Here are some general guidelines to bear in mind when following the Static Flexibility Program:

• You should be thoroughly warmed up before performing these exercises

• Stretch to just before the point of discomfort

• The feeling of tightness should diminish as you hold the stretch

• Breathe out into the stretch and avoid holding your breath

• Hold each stretch for 10-30 seconds

• I f tightness intensifies, or you feel pain, stop the stretch

• Shake out limbs between stretches

• C omplete 2-3 stretches before moving onto the next exercise.

Areas to concentrate on are:

• Shoulder Stretch

• Triceps Stretch

• Standing Quadriceps

• Standing Calf

Body balance

These can also be used for people with arthritis or vertigo:

Side Sways: Legs shoulder width apart, transfer weight to the right, feeling sensation on calf, feet and lower legs. Then transfer the weight to the left.

Forward and Backward Sways: Notice the gripping action of the toes and the sensation of the work in the calves and hamstring.

Circular Sways: Stand with legs shoulder width apart. Begin in a clockwise circular swaying action, starting with a small swing then gradually develop a larger circle. Be careful not to lose your balance. Then change direction.

Standard delivery action

You can make this part of your exercise program. Ensure your routine is positive, fluid and relaxed. Time the process of your routine to ensure all aspects are correct. Remember to breathe properly during the action.

ECKA’S TIP

Treat players how you would like to be treated. Acting with integrity, respect and empathy means you can bring out the best in your players and set the foundation for the development of a good working relationship.