The Bowler - January Edition - Issue 2475

January is always a bit of a funny month in the bowls calendar – while some sports are still dusting off the cobwebs after Christmas, bowls across South Australia is already up and running. Greens were busy, clubs were buzzing, and wherever you looked, there were bowlers back in action, enjoying the sunshine and each other’s company.

One of the standouts for the month was the 2025–26 State Under 18 Championships, held during the school holidays at Lockleys Bowling Club. It was great to see junior bowlers from right across the state roll up for the Singles, Pairs and Triples, serving up a week of competitive, entertaining and at times very impressive bowls. If that’s the future of our sport, we’re in pretty good shape.

January also saw Bowls SA staff and plenty of volunteers out and about, supporting competitions, programs and community activities across the state. Those chats at the club level are invaluable. They help us understand what clubs and members need, and make sure bowls stays welcoming, accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities.

Australia Day tournaments were another big feature of the month, with many clubs putting on great events and creating a real sense of occasion. Bowls SA encourages clubs to promote their tournaments through the Bowls SA website – and if you’re not sure how, give Lucy a call at the office or jump onto the Bowls SA website and check it out.

Looking ahead to February, things step up another gear. The MGA Men’s and Women’s Tournaments and the Country Round Robin will take centre stage, bringing bowls, bowls and more bowls to venues across the metropolitan area. These events don’t happen without a huge effort from clubs, volunteers, officials and staff, and I’d like to thank everyone in advance for the time, energy and good humour they bring to what will be a very busy month.

A quick reminder as well that nominations are now open for the Bowls SA Awards Night. This is our chance to shine a spotlight on the players, volunteers, officials, coaches, clubs and contributors who make our sport what it is. I strongly encourage clubs and associations to put forward deserving nominees. Details are available on the Bowls SA website, or you can give the office a call for more information.

January has laid a solid foundation for what promises to be a big and exciting stretch of the season. Let’s keep enjoying the bowls, celebrating the great performances, and sharing the stories that make bowls in South Australia such a strong, connected and bloody good community.

GARY WILLIS COACHING TIPS

1. You either win or you learn!

COACHING HISTORY:

National Coach 2020 – present

National Assistant Coach 2015 -2020

NSW/ACT Pathway Coach 2012 -2015

NSW Women’s/Mens/U18/Seniors 2013-2019

Sydney Lions Coach 2013/14/15 and 2016 (Champions)

Bowls Australia Coach of the Year x 2 (2018 & 2020)

Former Australian Representative 1995-2002 cap #113

You generally learn more from your losses than your wins. Review your performances, identify areas of your loss that you could have been better at and implement this into your next game. This is an opportunity to grow and learn. Don’t forget to analyse your wins also! Generally, we move on very quickly from a win and miss key points that contributed to it,

2. Be a sponge for information!

The ability to be vulnerable is where the learnings are. Be prepared to listen and learn every day, none of us know everything!. Be curious and pick the bowls brains of others, you will gain what they know too. Ask good players and coaches what works for them. Ask for feedback on your own performances.

3. Work hard on your technique! Key to consistency

Develop a technique which is efficient enough to be able to repeat. Key elements include balance, smooth release and repetition. You know when your technique is working well when you do not think about it. Generally, if you are getting your bowl away well, you will get good results.

When you look at the best players against each other not one technique is the same as the other, and that is ok, the difference is that the very best are able to repeat the same technique repeatedly which contributes significantly to their consistency.

4. Develop a consistent pre shot routine!

This is the cornerstone in any sport. Your pre shot routine is the one element of your game that you can control. A series of processes undertaken in the same order and same timing. It is both a physical process but more importantly a mental process.

It keeps you present, focussing on your process as opposed to the outcome.

5. Line

There are many different methods to take or read your line, train for what method suits you best and enhances your consistency in hitting the centre line. The main priority is that you have a method, be it a visual reference point or in your technique, for every bowl to enable you to correct.

6. Mental Toughness and Resilience!

The best players in the world have very good emotional management skills, it is what sets good players from great players.

The ability to let go of a poor bowl or end and reset is key to a strong mental game.

The player who stays in the fight are the most difficult to overcome.

2026 AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS

Author: Aidan Davis - Bowls Australia

Bowls Australia congratulates a distinguished group of members from across the country who have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours list.

The recipients span metropolitan, regional and remote communities, with their awards reflecting decades of service to bowls, veterans, community organisations and civic life.

Notably, the list includes two former state presidents whose service to bowls has been recognised: Brian Kenneth Stewart OAM (Queensland) and Garry Lawrence Beven OAM (Tasmania).

Stewart has contributed to bowls for more than four decades across club, district and state administration.

A former President of Bowls Queensland and President of the Gold Coast-Tweed District Bowls Association, he has also held a range of governance, finance and constitutional roles, and is a Life Member of both Bowls Queensland and the Gold CoastTweed District.

Beven has served bowls in Tasmania through senior leadership roles at state, regional and club level.

A former President of Bowls Tasmania from 2013 to 2018, following earlier roles with Bowls North including President, Board Member and Match Committee member, and he has also held key roles at

Cosgrove Park Bowls Club, including President and Bar Manager.

Collectively, the recognised individuals represent the quiet leadership, volunteerism and community spirit that underpin bowls clubs and the communities they serve.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division:

Mr Dale Victor Allchin OAM (VIC)

For service to the community of Port Melbourne.

Mr Garry Lawrence Beven OAM (TAS)

For service to the community through a range of roles.

Mr William James Bruns OAM (VIC)

For service to the communities of Cohuna and Leitchville.

Mr Phillip Leigh Clifford OAM (VIC) For service to the community of Maffra.

Mr Ian Lindsay Kellett OAM (VIC)

For service to veterans, and to the community through a range of roles.

Mr Donald Arthur Lockley OAM (NT)

For service to the community of the Northern Territory.

The late Mr Jacobus Hubertus Smits OAM (VIC) For service to the community of Port Fairy.

Mr Brian Kenneth Stewart OAM (QLD) For service to lawn bowls.

Mr Kenneth Bruce Warnes OAM (SA)

For service to conservation, and to the district and community of Owen.

Mr Milton Gregory West RFD ED OAM (QLD) For service to veterans.

Bowls Australia extends its congratulations to all recipients and thanks them for their extraordinary contributions to bowls, community life and service across Australia.

Full citation:

Mr Kenneth Bruce Warnes, Owen SA 5460

For service to conservation, and to the district and community of Owen.

Australian Plants Society, South Australia: Life Member, since 2014. Member, since 1963.

Eremophila Study Group, Australia Plants Society, South Australia: Founding Leader, 1971-1980. Newsletter Editor, 1972-1980. Member, since 1971. Life Member, since 2012.

Lower North Group, Para Districts Group (formerly Australian Plants Society, South Australia): Former President. Former Committee Member. Chair, State Conference, 2016. Member, 1978-1987.

Botanical Organisations – Other: Member, Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, Port Augusta. Consultant, establishment of the Eremophila Demonstration Garden. Former Member, Coolabah Club.

Owen Agricultural Bureau of South Australia: Former President, for two separate terms. Life Member, since 1982. Member, since 1960s.

Alma Agricultural Bureau: Former President, one term.

Community: Chair, Owen Primary School Council, 10 years. Former Vice Chair, Owen Community Centre. Former Warden, St Luke’s Anglican Church. Former Member, Balaklava Community Arts, c1990s. Foundation Committee Member, Owen Memorial Swimming Pool, c1964. Caretaker, Owen Silo Art Garden.

SA Country Fire Service, Alma Brigade: President, 2003-2005. Member, 1989-2024.

Cricket: Former President, Owen Cricket Club, 10 years. Former President, Lower Gilbert Cricket Association, four years. Member and Secretary, Alma Cricket Club, 15 years.

Adelaide Plains Male Voice Choir: Former Secretary, 13 years. Booklet Author: “Men of the Plains in Song” covering the 40 years of the Choir’s history, 2025. Assistant Choir Master and Soloist, 1995-2017. Member, 1985-2019 and since 2022. Life Member, 2024.

Owen Bowling Club: Chairman, 2006-2008. Secretary, 2009-2013. Former President. Wooroora Bowls Club: Former President.

Awards and Recognition include: Australian Plants Award, Amateur Category, Australian Native Plants Society, Australia, 2011. 15 Years Service Bronze Certificate, SA Country Fire Service, 2005.

A Buck a Bowler – Women’s Country Carnival Week

16 – 23 February

2026

Get behind Bowls SA’s Pink Round during MGA Women’s Country Carnival Week and help us support Australians affected by breast cancer.

Last year, the bowls community proudly raised over $10,900 – and in 2026 we’re aiming even higher!

It’s simple:

• Encourage $1 (or more!) per bowler

• Support Breast Cancer Network Australia

All funds raised will go directly to BCNA through Bowls SA’s PLAY4BCNA Pink Sports Week initiative.

When the bowls community unites, we create hope, support families, and help change lives.

Let’s turn the greens PINK in 2026! BOWLS SA • PLAY4BCNA • TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE

BOWLS SA WELCOMES TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Bowls SA is pleased to announce the appointment of Katrina Green and Heather Cochrane to the Bowls SA Board, filling two Women’s Casual Vacancies.

Both appointments bring a strong and complementary mix of experience, leadership, and passion for the sport, further strengthening the Board’s capability and representation.

Katrina Green brings a lifelong connection to bowls, with experience spanning grassroots participation, junior development, state representation, and high-performance competition. Having started bowling at the age of 12, Katrina has represented South Australia as a junior and as a member of the State Open Women’s team, and has enjoyed success at both state and national qualifying level. Professionally, Katrina works as an Administration & Accounts Manager at Rudall & Rudall Lawyers, bringing valuable business, financial, and operational expertise to the Board. She also offers contemporary insight into junior pathways and family engagement, with her own children actively involved in the sport.

Heather Cochrane brings more than 20 years of experience in bowls administration across club, association, and regional levels. Currently President of the Encounter Bay Bowling Club, Heather has also served on association committees and as a regional delegate, and is an administrator with the Police Bowling Association. A former police officer, Heather is highly regarded for her strong focus on governance, compliance, integrity, and risk management, and brings a disciplined, best-practice approach to Board oversight.

Bowls SA President Tim Dodds welcomed the appointments, noting the balance of skills they bring to the Board.

“These appointments strengthen our Board across both on-green and off-green capability. Katrina’s experience across player pathways and high performance, combined with Heather’s depth in governance and compliance, will add significant value as we continue to lead and grow the sport across South Australia.”

Bowls SA looks forward to the contribution both Katrina and Heather will make as the organisation continues to deliver on its strategic priorities and support clubs, associations, and members across the state.

UNDER 18 CHAMPIONSHIPS

Junior bowlers from across South Australia came together once again during the school holidays at Lockleys Bowling Club on Monday, 12 January - Thursday, 15 January, delivering a week of high-quality, competitive and entertaining bowls across the Singles, Pairs and Triples disciplines.

With strong entry numbers and a mix of experienced campaigners and rising stars, the championships highlighted the continued growth and depth of junior bowls in South Australia. Throughout the week, the greens were filled with determination, camaraderie and moments of brilliance, showcasing the future of the sport.

The singles started the week with a bang, as 18 boys contested the championship, spread across five highly competitive sections. The standard was exceptionally high, with all section winners progressing through undefeated, underlining the strength of the field. Section Winners 3 and 5 played a knockout on the Monday night, due to both having a bye in their section. This game saw last year’s winner Charlie Hicks (Adelaide) 21 defeated Noah Phillips (Ascot Park) 14, securing the final place in Thursday’s semi-finals.

In the Bronze medal match, Jayden finished strongly to defeat Kobe 21–17, earning a well-deserved podium finish.

The Gold medal match capped off a superb campaign for Charlie Hicks, who defeated Cameron Jamison 21–14 to claim the Boys Singles title. The victory marked a back-to-back championship for Charlie in his final year, an outstanding achievement at Under 18 level.

The Girls Singles competition featured nine players, competing across three sections, with the winners proceeding to the Semi Final on Thursday along with the overall next best performance.

The Bronze medal match saw Tahlia Stringer produce a strong showing to defeat Skye Wilson 21–18.

In the Gold medal match, Daisy Coe once again proved her composure and consistency, defeating Megan Carey 21–14 to secure a back-to-back Under 18 Girls’ Singles Championship, further cementing her place among the state’s leading junior bowlers.

The Open Pairs competition featured 13 teams across four sections, with each section winner progressing directly through to the semi-finals.

The Bronze medal match saw Megan Carey and Tahlia Stringer finish strongly with a 26–10 victory over the Evans brothers, who displayed a valiant effort and never gave up in their first Under 18 competition campaign.

In the Gold medal match, Kobe Jarman and Charlie Hicks combined superbly to defeat Noah Phillips and Jayden Green 21–10, claiming the Open Pairs Championship once again.

The Open Triples competition consisted of eight teams across two sections, with section winners advancing to the gold medal match and runners-up contesting bronze.

The Gold medal match saw Skye Wilson / Elliot Webster-Brown (Modbury) / Cameron Jamison deliver a commanding performance in their teams final Championship before aging out, defeating Noah Green (Kapunda) / Noah Phillips / Jayden Green 20–8 to be crowned champions.

In the Bronze medal match, Darcy Jones (Wilmington) / Kobe Jarman / Charlie Hicks proved too strong, defeating Jakobe Evans (Georgetown) / Tahlia Stringer / Daisy Coe 23–18.

COUNTRY ROUND ROBIN TEAMS

The line-up is set for the 2026 Country Round Robin, with teams ready to take to the greens from Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 February. The men’s competition will be held at Marion Bowling Club, while the women’s event will be contested at Lockleys Bowling Club. Players from across the region will compete in what promises to be an exciting series, showcasing skill, sportsmanship, and the depth of talent in South Australian bowls.

2024-25 Women’s Winners - Region 7

2024-25 Men’s Winners - Region 3

FAMILY, YOUTH AND GENERATIONS ON THE GREEN AT ROBERTSTOWN

Robertstown’s Division 2 bowls side is proudly showcasing the future of the sport, with three young children regularly taking to the green alongside their families and proving that youth bowls can thrive in a supportive club environment.

One of those young players is Blake, who currently plays lead in Division 2 for Robertstown. Blake was introduced to bowls by his father, Nathan (West Lakes), who brought the family into full-time bowls at the club. After filling in several times last season, Blake has become a regular player this year due to low numbers and the impact of harvest.

It’s not uncommon to see a true family combination on the green, with Blake leading, his Nana Amanda playing second, and his Pa Geoff skipping. Robertstown strongly supports junior participation, with three players aged 12 and under stepping in some weeks to help the club avoid forfeiting. Each week the children continue to improve, often giving experienced bowlers a real run for their money on certain ends.

Among the junior players are the Kotz children, who come from a strong bowls pedigree. Their father and grandfather are both Division One skippers and Region 8 representatives, providing excellent role models and guidance as the next generation develops their skills and confidence in the sport.

Just as encouraging is the sportsmanship shown by opposition players, who have been extremely supportive of the juniors, creating a positive and welcoming environment for young bowlers to learn and grow.

The family theme was taken to another level last week when Blake’s great-Nana, Margaret, filled in for the side, creating a rare four-generation moment on the green. Margaret, along with Blake’s Poppy Ray, are bowlers at Port Victoria, making the occasion even more special for the family.

“It makes us incredibly proud to play alongside Blake and see how well he is doing,” Amanda said. “You don’t often get the chance to play a sport with your grandchild, and these are memories we will always treasure.”

2026/27 Calendar Release

Bowls SA is pleased to announce the release of the 2026-27 Event Calendar.

The calendar reflects the ongoing coordination of event dates through collaboration between Region State Event Managers, the State Events Committee, and the Bowls SA Board, ensuring a well-considered and balanced schedule for the season ahead.

As we approach the conclusion of the 2025–26 season, we look ahead with confidence to a successful 2026-27 season.

PRINTABLE CALENDAR

Bowls SA Events

2026

Bowls SA Awards Night – Nominations Are Open

Friday, 29 May 2026 - Wolf Blass Event Centre, Morphetville Race Course

The 2026 Bowls SA Awards Night will be here before we know it — and now is the time to recognise the incredible people and clubs who make our sport so special.

Nominations are now open and will close at midnight on Sunday, 12 April. This is your opportunity to shine a spotlight on those whose dedication, passion and hard work inspire our bowls community every single day. SMALL

2025 Award Winners

2025 Award Winners

PLAYER FEATURE: BETH QUINLAN

A highly respected and influential figure in Australian bowls, Beth Quinlan has dedicated her life to the sport as an elite competitor, leader, and mentor, making a significant impact across club, state, and national levels.

Throughout her career, Beth has represented her state and country in a wide range of elite competitions, gaining extensive experience at national and international level. Her long-standing involvement in Australian squads and state representative teams reflects both her consistency as a player and her deep understanding of high-performance bowls.

Equally important has been Beth’s contribution off the green. She has played a key role in the development of the sport through leadership and selection roles, including serving as an Australian Selector, where she helped guide pathways for emerging and established players alike. Her knowledge, fairness, and commitment to the game have earned her widespread respect within the bowls community.

Beth currently serves as the South Australian Women’s Head Coach, a role in which she continues to shape the next generation of elite players. She is known for her strong leadership, clear communication, and genuine care for athlete development, fostering both performance and sportsmanship.

With decades of experience and an unwavering passion for bowls, Beth Quinlan’s contribution extends far beyond her own playing career. Her influence continues to be felt through the players she mentors, the teams she leads, and the standards she upholds within the sport.

Career Highlights

• 1995 Winning NT side – Marg Morris Trophy (Aust Sides)

• 1998-2000 Aust Development Side, played 3 Trans Tasman Series.

• 1995 Awarded the NT Administrators Medal Sporting Roll Model

• 2004 Australian Fours Winner

• 2004 Australian Indoor Runner Up

• 2007 Australian Open Triples Winner

• 2010 – 2013 Australian Squad member

• 2010 8 Nations India Silver Medal

• 2014 – 2018 Australian Selector

• 2003 – 2019 NSW Rep and Marg Morris Winner 7 times

• 2017 NSW Senior Bowler of the year

• 2018 Australian Runner Up Champ of champ singles

• 2019 Australian Senior Trans Tasman Winner

• 2023/24 SA State Over 60’s Rep

• 2023/24 Best Performed Rink Over 60’s Aust Sides

• 2024/25 SA State Over 60’s Rep

• 2024/25 SA State Event Player

• 2025 Australian Senior Atlantic Fours

PLAYER FEATURE: BETH QUINLAN

Q: What’s been your proudest moment on the green?

There’s been so many proud moments in the 35 years plus that I’ve been playing Bowls. Just getting to wear your States’ colours and donning the green and gold 4 times in my time as a bowler would be some of my personal proudest moments. However, the best is when I have been part of a team and able to share those proud moments with teammates and have shared memories.

Q: How has bowls changed since your early days?

See the attached photo haha taken in 1997. Uniforms, shoes, narrow biased bowls, coloured bowls, bowls technology, women playing aggressively (heaven forbid), synthetic and carpet greens, greens undercover all these changes for the better. However not much has changed within Bowling Clubs with the usual annual Selection issues and Club matters as portrayed in the movie Crackerjack.

Q: What advice do you give to young bowlers?

Listen and learn from the more experienced bowlers and legends of the game. If you want to succeed you have to put in the time on the green, find a good coach and a good club that will support you. If you want to be around in this great sport for a long time find a way to give back to the sport and to the club who is supporting you in your endeavours.

Q: How do you unwind off the green?

I like to relax with teammates after a game generally. The social side to bowls has enabled me to make many friends throughout Australia. Sometimes you take the game home with you and lose sleep over particular “if only” shots which might have turned the game but most competitive bowlers will have experienced this.

Q: Do you have any rituals or habits before stepping onto the green?

I like to be organized and not have any pre match panic over stupid things like being late for the game, not having your drink bottle filled or a snack if required.

2025-26 CLUB CHAMPIONS

BECOME A CLUBS SA MEMBER

STRONGER CLUBS.

STRONGER COMMUNITIES.

Why Join Clubs SA?

EXPERT COMPLIANCE & LICENSING SUPPORT

Clear guidance on liquor licensing, gaming, governance, constitutions, AGMs, RAMPs and more – helping your club stay safe, legal and confident.

ONE-ON-ONE ASSISTANCE

Direct support from industry specialists who understand the unique needs of South Australian clubs.

TRAINING FOR COMMITTEES & STAFF

Responsible Person training, governance modules, onboarding guides, financial skills and sustainability workshops.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER RESOURCES

Access templates, checklists, policies and step-by-step compliance guides that save time and reduce risk.

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A strong, united voice representing clubs to Government and industry – pushing for better regulation and reduced red tape.

SAVINGS & PARTNERSHIPS

Member-only deals on insurance, beverages, technology, services and club essentials – delivering real financial value.

NETWORKING & COMMUNITY

Connect with over 450 South Australian clubs, share ideas and access peer support across the state.

PROMOTION & RECOGNITION

Celebrate achievements through awards, sector events and statewide opportunities to showcase your club.

“Clubs are at the heart of South Australian communities. Clubs SA membership gives clubs practical support, strong advocacy, and trusted advice, so they can focus on their members and the communities they serve.”

Peter Apostolopoulos Chief Executive Officer

INVEST IN YOUR CLUB’S FUTURE

Becoming a Clubs SA member means access to the tools, support and advocacy your club needs to grow and succeed.

JOIN TODAY

www.clubssa.com.au

CONTACT MEMBER SERVICES

Email - officecoordinator@clubssa.com.au

BOARD MEMBER PROFILE: PIA BENTICK

- INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Pia joined the Bowls SA Board as an Independent Director in January 2020.

A Company Secretary with extensive experience in

NATIONAL

INTEGRITY FRAMEWORK

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE POLICY

Overview

The Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy is designed to protect children and young people in sport by putting in place rules and processes to ensure sporting environments are inclusive, positive and safe for everyone at all times.

The Policy includes:

• clear definitions of Prohibited Conduct

• a list of mandatory Children and Young People Safe Practices

• recruitment and screening requirements

• a procedure outlining how to respond to child abuse allegations and report possible Prohibited Conduct

• a Child/Young Person Safe Commitment Statement

Who does this Policy apply to?

The Policy applies to everyone involved in sport including participants, employees, coaches, officials, contractors and support personnel, at all levels, from the national level through to club sport.

Prohibited Conduct

The following actions and behaviours are breaches of the Policy:

Child Abuse including physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse, as well as neglect and exposure to family violence.

Harmful behaviours towards a child/young person including harmful training methods, excessive emphasis on appearance or weight, forcing a child/young person to train while ill or injured, threatening or humiliating a child/young person, physical punishment or any degrading, cruel, frightening or humiliating disciplinary actions, sexual or adult comments to or in the presence of a child/young person, or taking inappropriate photos or inappropriately touching a child/young person.

Any act affecting a child/young person that would be considered a breach of the Member Protection policy including bullying, harassment, discrimination, victimisation and vilification.

Asking a child/young person to keep any communication secret.

Supplying alcohol or drugs (including tobacco) to a child/young person.

Failing to comply with recruitment and screening requirements.

Failing to report a breach of Prohibited Conduct.

Being found guilty of Child Abuse or Grooming under state, territory or Commonwealth law.