JACK ATTACK PROGRAM RECOGNISED WITH COUNCIL AWARD

BY LACHLAN WILLIAMS

A regional Victorian club’s Jack Attack program’s outstanding success has been recognised with a recent honour by its local council.

Violet Town Bowls Club – about half an hour from Shepparton in Victoria’s north east – took out Strathbogie Shire’s Event of the Year for their successful Jack Attack programs in 2022.

The club was one of four nominees in the category presented as part of the Shire’s Australia Day Awards.

The club first got involved in Jack Attack in late 2021, and plans to commence their fourth program this month.

Violet Town secretary and Jack Attack coordinator Margaret Crawford said the award win came as a “huge surprise”.

“We didn’t know anything about it until a few people around town said to come to the Australia Day breakfast,” she said. “I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, I was so excited.” As reflected by the award win, Jack Attack has proved a big success for Violet Town.

From community groups to businesses to families, Crawford said the program has welcomed new people to club that may not have been involved with bowls previously.

“We first got involved when John Emerson, who was our Regional Bowls Manager at the time, came for a visit and told us about Jack Attack,” she said.

“From there we looked at it, talked to a few people around town about interest levels and nearly straight away we had 12 teams.

“Our youngest player was seven years old, and our oldest was 90. They played against each other one night which was just fabulous to watch.”

The one-green club is now at a capacity 14 teams, running two four our five week programs a year (February and November).

Crawford said Jack Attack has been well received by participants, and has also helped rejuvenate the club itself.

“So many people from the community just love the atmosphere of it. There’s lots of laughter and music and everybody getting together, they just love it,” she said.

“More community groups are wanting to hold gatherings here and have started noticing the bowls club more. The club’s profile has grown in the community.

“We have also attracted more social members, and hopefully more pennant players in the future.”

Crawford said investing time into Jack Attack has proved worthwhile, as well as support provided from Bowls Australia.

“It is hard work getting everything organised but once the first night is up and going, things start to fall into place,” she said.

“We do appreciate John Emerson’s (RBM) help at the beginning.”