within the operations of World Bowls that we believe need to be urgently addressed. They were Membership, Finance, Events and the Strategic Direction of the organisation for the future. In addition, we provided a number of solutions that could be implemented collectively by World Bowls and the Member National Authorities over the next 12-18 months. As the largest bowling nation in the world, we feel it is important that Australia continues to play an active role in all World Bowls activities and not just hosting events. We acknowledge the election of Karen Murphy and appointment of Colleen Gilbert from Australia on the World Bowls Board and we look forward to developing a strong working relationship with them both.
Increase in ASC funding
To date we have had more than 70 clubs sign up to become Jack Attack host clubs across the country, which exceeded our initial expectations, with a great response from Gold Coast clubs in particular. We will continue to develop and promote the program to encourage a wider uptake moving forward. Aligning with the Australian Premier League and Jack Attack is Jr. Jack Attack, which was also rolled out during the 2014/15 financial year. Jr. Jack Attack is designed to enable school children to participate in an engaging format, which is both fun and inclusive, and that can be conducted on a range of surfaces including greens, carpets, concrete, wooden floors and just about anything else that is flat, eliminating the restrictions of requiring a bowling green to
introduce new audiences to the sport. Jr. Jack Attack is part of the Australian Sports Commission’s Sporting Schools Program, which provides funding for schools to select a sport, of which bowls is one of 32. Bowls will be delivered to school children before, after or during school hours.
World Bowls review and recommendations During the year, the President and CEO prepared a paper entitled Rejuvenating Bowls on a global scale and this was designed to openly, honestly and without blame, identify and acknowledge the current situation and impediments to growth facing bowls on a global scale. We identified four key areas
The Australian Sports Commission introduced a new participation funding categorisation model in 2015. As a result, BA’s funding for participation increased from $546,800 to $625,000 and is set to increase to $650,000 in 2016/17. This funding will continue to be very important in supporting our Regional Bowls Manager program across Australia.
Partnerships We would like to acknowledge the loyal support and generous contribution from the Federal Government through the Australian Sports Commission and Australian Institute of Sport, in particular the ASC Chair, John Wylie, the ASC Board and CEO Simon Hollingsworth, who have provided invaluable advice and support to our organisation over this period. Sincere thanks also to President Sam Coffa AM, former CEO Perry Crosswhite AM and the 2014-15 Annual Report 9