October 28, 2016
Bowls Victoria has a new President, with Barbara Gilbert (Ocean Grove BC) appointed to the role for the next two years.
Barbara, the tournament director for Bowls Victoria’s State events including the Victorian Open, was elected at a board meeting following the 2016 Annual General Meeting at Hawthorn Town Hall.
Barbara steps up from the Deputy President’s role she has held for the past two years.
John Inglese (Richmond Union BC) has been elected Deputy President of Bowls Victoria.
Outgoing President John Fisher OAM (Rutherglen BC) will remain on the Bowls Victoria board as a Director. He has been a Director since Bowls Victoria's inauguration in 2009, and will continue in this capacity.
In being confirmed as Bowls Victoria’s new president, Barbara wished to highlight the contribution that John Fisher had made to Bowls Victoria during his term of presidency.
Scot Nicholson (Ballan BC) has been newly elected to the Board following the recent elections.
Lyn Baker, Kevin Pattison, Marilla Rootsey, Valerie Savage and Finance Director Ken Warburton are the other Board directors.
More than 100 people attended the 2016 AGM, with world champion Victorian bowlers Josh Barry and Lucas Protopapas special guest speakers.
Retiring Bowls Victoria board members Phil Gude and Stuart Kollmorgen were honoured for their service on the board with a special presentation during the AGM.
Bowls Victoria also presented the 15 Volunteer of the Year Regional Winners with their awards, as well as naming Owen Ross (Grangeburn BC/West Coast Region) overall winner.
Bowls Victoria's 2015-16 Annual Report was presented at the AGM. You’ll find Bowls Victoria’s 2015-16 annual report on the Bowls Victoria website.
The 2016 Victorian Open runs from November 5 to 11 and has again broken all records, with nearly 1,500 entries - mostly from rank-and-file club bowlers.
There are 1,487 entries this year. That's nearly a 20% increase on 2015's figures, and a 57% increase in the past two years.
Seventeen bowls clubs around Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley will be used for matches during the tournament, spreading the tourism influx and spin-offs throughout the entire region.
Shepparton Park, Dookie, East Shepparton, Euroa, Hilltop, Katandra West, Kyabram, Merrigum, Mooroopna, Numurkah, Numurkah Golf, Shepparton Golf, Shepparton RSL, Stanhope, Tallygaroopna, Tatura and Wunghnu will be used as tournament venues.
As well as club bowlers from Victoria, NSW, Queensland, WA, Tasmania, NT, ACT, New Zealand and the UK, many of Australia’s best bowlers will take part.
LATEST NEWS
Singles, pairs and triples in both men’s and women’s competitions will feature at the Vic Open, as well as mixed pairs.
And in an exciting first, Bowls Victoria will live stream play on the final two days of the Vic Open on the Bowls Victoria website.
Finals on Thursday, November 10 and Friday, November 11, will be televised from Shepparton Park BC.
Just go to the Bowls Victoria website and click on the live streaming icon to watch all the action of the finals.
Greater Shepparton City Council and Bowls Victoria will officially open the 2016 Victorian Open on Saturday, November 5, at Shepparton Park BC at 8am.
Regulations Update
The Board regularly reviews the Bowls Victoria Regulations and adds any new policy and procedures they have approved.
You can find the latest version of the Regulations with the amendments highlighted on the Bowls Victoria website.
Some of these amendments simply relate to formatting or the use of consistent wording and numbering.
However, there is a new policy asking Clubs to assist BV to collect data about people who are playing bowls in Victoria. See Section 28.13.
Participation Information
Finding out how many people play bowls in Victoria is the key to more funding for you, and for our sport. Those putting the money into the sport want to know how many people take part in it.
Funding and grants for bowls and bowls clubs from organisations like VicHealth, from governments and local councils, and from potential sponsors, all depend on finding out this information. Those numbers ultimately determine the level of funding bowls receives.
Bowls Victoria has put together a simple form to help Clubs provide us with data on how many people play bowls at their Club.
It’s easy to fill in, and requires just a few minutes of your time to help us get the numbers right.
We know Clubs have different approaches to who can play bowls on their greens but whether they are members of your Club is not important for this data activity. We are simply seeking information about people who play bowls.
We will use those numbers to prepare our case for the best possible funding and sponsorship for our sport. This information will also help Clubs have the best chance of receiving available government and council grants.
To help you categorise who you would include on the form, Bowls Victoria has prepared a handy infographic. We call someone who does not play bowls, a Social participant and you would not include them. The main focus is who plays bowls and whether that is Pennant or another kind of bowls.
Don’t worry about being absolutely exact. Just try and be as accurate as you can to reflect how many Pennant and Transitional participants are playing at your club.
As this is a new initiative, we are asking all Clubs to submit a completed form by Wednesday, December 7, 2016, and let us know what you think. This will give us an opportunity to address any issues you may have with the form before you will be required to start submitting the form twice a year from February 2017.
You can find the form and instructions on how to fill it in on the Bowls Victoria website.
Unavailability for some of Victoria's key players has meant youth gets its opportunity in the 2016 Test series against Tasmania in Devonport from December 4 to 6.
Aaron Wilson, Barrie Lester and Carla Krizanic will all be representing Australia at the World Bowls Championships in Christchurch, meaning opportunities for new players to test themselves at State level.
In the women's teams, ex-Tasmanian Makayla Gibson and Bendigo teenager Amelia Bruggy have been elevated to the senior squad.
Their youthful four - including Elise Cowan (Sunbury) - will be skipped by teenager Tiffany Brodie (Fitzroy Victoria), who only made her senior debut last season but has blossomed into one of Australia's most promising players since.
Experienced hands Nic Shortis and Brooke Edwards are the other women's skips - Brooke's sister Blaine joining her and mum Gayle (all Altona) in the Victorian squad.
Bendigo's Stephanie Priest, a key part of the Bendigo Campaspe team which won the 2016 Women's Region Sides Championship, has also been selected.
The men's side retains the core of the team which won last season's National Sides Championship. But Josh Rudd (Wodonga) who impressed in the Under 25s last season, is elevated to the squad along with Altona's Ben Loughlin.
No surprises that Curtis Hanley is given a senior Victorian debut after making the 2016 Australian Indoor final - beating Aron Sherriff along the way.
Hanley (Melbourne BC) will lead for Nick McIntyre (Whittlesea). Matthew Flapper (Ocean Grove) and another with plenty of top-level experience, Wayne Roberts (Yarraville-Footscray) are the other skips.
Position Player Club
1 Dane McKinnon Altona
2 Brad Orr Shepparton Golf
3 Dylan Fisher Fitzroy Victoria
4 (Skip) Matthew Flapper Ocean Grove
Position Player Club
1 Curtis Hanley Melbourne
2 Ben Loughlin Altona
3 Josh Corless Bundoora RSL
4 (Skip) Nick McIntyre Whittlesea
Position Player Club
1 Liam Garlick-Adams Altona
2 Josh Rudd East Shepparton
3 Nathan Wilson Essendon
4 (Skip) Wayne Roberts Yarraville Footscray
Manager: Pat Clark
Position Player Club
1 Stephanie Priest Bendigo
2 Victoria Troster Yarraville-Footscray
3 Gayle Edwards Altona
4 (Skip) Brooke Edwards Altona
Position Player Club
1 Blaine Edwards Altona
2 Tayla Spence Bundoora RSL
3 Rebecca McMahon City of Colac
4 (Skip) Nicole Shortis Leopold Sportsman’s
Position Player Club
1 Amelia Bruggy Bendigo
2 Elise Cowan Sunbury
3 Makayla Gibson Bundoora RSL
4 (Skip) Tiffany Brodie Fitzroy Victoria
Coach: Jan Hurst Manager: Meredith Norton
By John Roberts, Bowls Victoria Umpiring Committee Chairman
Well the Vic Open is close approaching and that means that apart from the players the officials are gearing up for a hectic seven days also.
We utilise the volunteer services of over 40 markers and umpires, and they come from all over Victoria - both metro and rural.
They all enjoy the Vic Open experience and many have returned year after year.
The Vic Open is a great opportunity for officials to venture out to one of the 17 venues used over the week for the Open. Our officials enjoy the country hospitality shown to them by bowling clubs all around Shepparton.
So what should markers and umpires do to prepare for this challenge:
1. Be familiar with the Conditions of Play for the particular event. In particular shots required, number of ends to be played, dead ends and any re-spotting of the jack.
2. Arrive on time for the event. As the umpire, at least an hour before the event starts and the markers should arrive at the rink of play at least 15 minutes before the game’s scheduled start time.
3. Check their equipment and the club’s equipment.
4. A markers checklist includes 7 items: Chalk for marking touchers (spray preferred), a box string measure, three or four chocks or wedges, a pen or pencil, the scorecard, a coin to toss and if required shot indicators ( paddles).
5. Be prepared for all weather possibilities.
6. Be hydrated and have water available throughout their game.
7. Wear the appropriate uniform. Club uniform is always acceptable. But be smart and well presented.
8. Be alert, anticipate and concentrate on the task at hand.
9. Bring a smile, a sense of adventure, a friendly disposition, be prepared and not be officious.
We thank the many officials from both local clubs and from across Victoria for their commitment and time. It greatly appreciated by the tournament director and Bowls Victoria.
The Law for the Day:
Question: Can I use a texta to mark any touchers?
Answer: No, Law 15.1 clearly states a toucher should marked be with chalk. So unless the “texta” is chalk based it cannot be used.
Enjoy the Vic Open everyone.
The weekend of September 9 and 10 will long be remembered by members of the Paynesville Bowling Club as they celebrated their 50th anniversary and the opening of a new green.
The festivities got under way on Friday night with the 50th anniversary dinner, appropriately themed in gold and attended by 120 current and former members, as well as divisional and regional representatives.
Life members Bonny Finlayson and Len Brook fittingly cut the anniversary cake.
The club’s origins date back to May 1964 when a meeting of the Paynesville Progress Association formed a subcommittee to examine the feasibility of establishing a bowling club in the town.
The club formally came into existence at a meeting on 16 February 1965 and the first game of organised bowls was on 11 December 1966.
The club now has more than 200 members and continues to grow.
On Saturday, under a threatening sky, the Member for Gippsland, the Hon Tim Bull, officially opened the new Members Green to mark the start of the 2016/17 season.
He said it was great to see so many members present in uniform.
“Sporting clubs have a very important role in the community, particularly in terms of contributing to social wellbeing and lifestyle.”
Mr Bull unveiled the dedication plaque with Club Chairman Peter Beesley, and later had the honour of putting down the first bowl.
The Members Green replaces a synthetic, bringing the total number of greens to three. It will be ready for play by the end of 2016.
Other official guests at the opening were the President of EGBD, Stella Ellis; Bowls Victoria Regional
Representative and EGBD Secretary, Fay Lewis; Regional Secretary/Treasurer and EGBD Vice President, John Lewis; Ladies’ President, Lori Smith; Men’s President, David McGrath; and life member, Bonny Finlayson.
Doing everything from being a board member to organising his club's Come and Try Days, Owen Ross is the sort of volunteer any club dreams of having.
Luckily for Grangeburn Bowling Club in Victoria's west, Owen volunteers for them. And his dedicated efforts have not only won him recognition by his club and the West Coast Bowls Region, but statewide as Bowls Victoria's 2016 Volunteer of the Year.
"He has made an outstanding commitment and contribution as a club person," Grangeburn BC wrote in their submission.
"Owen consistently volunteers his time willingly for the common goal of the Grangeburn Bowling Club and the members, without personal or financial gain.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
"Owen has shown great dedication and integrity towards the success of the club, with his reliability, positivity, flexibility and initiative through his voluntary commitments and his consistency as a club person and teammate, as an individual and collaboratively as part of a team.
"The ability to inspire others to volunteer and help out, where they can, is also a wonderful demonstration of Owen's character."
Owen was presented with the 2016 State award at Bowls Victoria's Annual General Meeting on October 24.
He was one of 15 regional Volunteer of the Year winners presented with their regional awards at the AGM at Hawthorn Town Hall by Bowls Victoria President John Fisher.
Owen's success gave West Coast Region a second successive State Volunteer of the Year award. Greg Ritchie from City Memorial BC, Warrnambool, won the inaugural State award in 2015.
Bowls Victoria Chief Executive Graeme Bridge says the award is one Bowls Victoria is proud of to give appropriate recognition to its volunteers all around the State who give up their time to make bowls a great, accessible sport for everyone."Without our volunteers, we wouldn't have a sport. It's as simple as that," he said.
Bendigo Campaspe Glenn Thomson Deniliquin RSL
Secretary, Treasurer, Social Bowls Coordinator, Coordinated the calendar, bar man, Tournament secretary, Sponsorship Coordinator and looks after Club Championships. His role could easily be described as Bowls Club Manager, but unfortunately the role or the remuneration exist in our club.
Central Goulburn Murray Rob Sceney Kyabram
Instigator of the Kyabram BC Business Plan, committee member, organising and supervising local groups, communication to club members and mover behind the appointment of a Bowls Development Officer for the club.
Central Victoria Scot Nicholson Ballan
Youngest person to hold office at the Ballan BC as President, also public relations officer social media officer.
Helped update the Ballan constitution to be a truly unified organisation that doesn't discriminate based on gender and successfully won grant for the club.
Eastern Ranges Pam James Yarra Glen
Pam is a social member of the club, and volunteered to run the kitchens on a Saturday, runs the bar, and Thursday night meals which have not only seen sales rise but also strengthened the clubs social atmosphere. Pam has been a huge contributor to increased participation at club functions and her personality has ensured that there are always others willing to come and assist her.
Geelong Peter Lalor Bannockburn
Secretary of the club last year he introduced the computer program for membership management, sponsorship, banking, pennant team management, bar management liaising with local council and Leisure Networks and introducing a successful Jack Attack program at the club. He has devoted his time 24/7 to the club and has made the club truly professional.
Gippsland Graeme Bland Stratford
Graeme has held a number of different committee positions, but in the past year has managed all of the financial affairs of the club and through his diligence and advice the Stratford BC is in a strong financial position. Graeme has had some health problems but hasn't let that stop him from going the extra mile to assist the club. All of the club members believe that Graeme's attitude and willingness to contribute, emphasises the fact that he is a worth recipient of the award.
Murray Mallee John Louttit Sea Lake Golf
John never shirks the many duties at the club and is involved with maintenance of the club, greens and surrounds, bar management, raffles, organising working bees, manages club tournaments, runs the social bowls and has encouraged the school to take up Jr. Jack Attack. John is always first to arrive at the club, and of course, last to leave.
Nothern Gateway Ken Docking Fitzroy Victoria
Selector and delegate, Ken also organises social games over winter as well as helping with the maintenance of the club. Ken "is" Fitzroy Victoria he tirelessly gives himself to the club for the benefit of all members. Longest serving member of the club in his 47th year, he has been actively involved in the club each year and is still one of the most important volunteers.
Ovens & Murray Robert Armstrong Benalla
Robert, or Bet as he is known at Benalla, is one of those people who will not say no to helping any one out. Assists with the very successful Yooralla program and schools programs, and other events the clubs runs by doing the BBQ and getting things ready. Recently helped put new shades around the greens and does a number of other jobs around the club. Robert is a very special member and thoroughly deserves his award.
Peninsula Casey Len O’Brien Narre Warren
Upon joining the club Len quickly became one of the club's most active volunteers. Setting up for bowls days inside and outside, assisting with tournaments, corporate challenge and barefoot bowls, and many other activities. Always has a smile on his face and a positive outlook, never has a bad word for anyone and every time there is a problem he has a solution.
Sandbelt Diana Grosberg Armadale
Her volunteering spirit assists all of Armadale's members for the good of bowls. Involved as Bar manager, midweek selector, assistant board secretary, fixture book manager and other general duties. Without Diana doing what she does, it would take 3 or 4 people to replace her. At times we have tried to stop Diana from taking on so much, to no avail, she will not be stopped!
Strzelecki Don Jeffrey Lang Lang
Don took on the club presidency in the club's hour of need when no-one else could be persuaded to come on board.
Despite his own health concerns he was pivotal in keeping the club running smoothly. He is the convenor of a highly successful community bowls program, bar manager, as well as helping with the greens and maintenance when required. Ever friendly, always helpful Don plays an integral role in making the club a great place to visit and attractive place to join.
West Coast Owen Ross Grangeburn
Approachable, kind-hearted and welcoming, involved in the club's try bowls events. Board member, Greens keeper, Selection Committee, Tournaments, and social activities and also built a new outdoor area at the club.
Wimmera Greg Matthews Korong Vale
Tireless amount of work as the unpaid greenkeeper, tournament secretary and sponsorship fundraiser and many other volunteer roles. As well as his efforts for the bowling club, Greg is also involved in volunteering for many other organisations in our small town.
Yarra Marita O’Meara MCC Kew Sports Club
Was awarded the MCC Kew Club person of the year last season, always the first to volunteer even if it means missing an opportunity to play herself. Has volunteered as Club Secretary, CCO, Delegate, Saturday pennant selector, organiser of social functions and central source of club communications.
Metro West Region did not receive any nominations from clubs, and therefore did not nominate a Region winner.
