The Bowler - Issue 2476 - February Edition

By the time this edition of The Bowler reaches you, we’re well and truly into the busiest stretch of the bowls season, and it’s been terrific to see greens across South Australia alive with competition, community spirit and plenty of great bowls.

February delivered some fantastic highlights, particularly the MGA Men’s and Women’s Country Carnivals, which once again showcased the depth of talent across regional South Australia. The finals at Marion Bowling Club produced some outstanding bowls, and the atmosphere throughout the week was a great reminder of just how strong the country bowls community is.

The Country Round Robin also brought together bowlers from across the eight regions of the state for four days of highly competitive and enjoyable bowls. Events like this highlight the strength of our regional pathways and the pride players take in representing their regions.

A huge thank you must go to the host clubs, volunteers, umpires, markers and Bowls SA staff who contribute countless hours to ensure these major events run smoothly. These competitions simply would not happen without the dedication of people behind the scenes.

It has also been pleasing to see continued activity at club level, with tournaments, pennant matches and social bowls keeping greens busy right across the state. Stories like the remarkable 99-year-old Hawthorn bowler Lorenzo Dissegna, who continues to play several times a week, remind us that bowls truly is a sport for life.

As we move deeper into the season, the calendar continues to build with state events, pennant finals approaching and clubs preparing for the concluding stages of competitions. It’s also worth reminding everyone that nominations for the 2026 Bowls SA Awards Night are now open, giving clubs the opportunity to recognise the volunteers, officials, players and administrators who contribute so much to our sport.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge our valued partners and sponsors, whose support helps Bowls SA continue to deliver competitions, programs and pathways for bowlers of all ages and abilities.

Thank you to everyone across our bowls community for the passion, effort and camaraderie you bring to the game.

See you on the greens.

THE BOWLER | FEBRUARY 2026

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MBA PREMIER LEAGUE MARQUEE GAME PORT NOARLUNGA V HAWTHORN

Port Noarlunga (77) def. By Hawthorn (83) - T. Brand (25) def. L.Bowman (21) / K. Moffatt (19) def. by A. Strudwick (21) / M. Kleinig (14) def. by C. Watkins (24) / A. Moffatt (19) def. D. Siegertsz (17)

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THE BOWLER | FEBRUARY 2026

COUNTRY ROUND ROBIN From Tuesday, 11 February, to Friday, 13 February, the eight country regions from across South Australia converged at the Marion Bowling Club and Lockleys Bowling Club for the Men’s and Women’s Country Round Robin competitions. The four day long event delivered thrilling finishes and showcased the depth of talent across the state.

The Men’s event saw early excitement as Region 4 stormed out of the blocks, winning their first three games. Their momentum was halted when Region 6 defeated them 92–77, three rinks up, claiming 17 points.

After six rounds, the leaderboard was tight: Region 6 – 4 wins, 75 points Region 4 – 4 wins, 70 points Region 7 – 4 wins, 67 points

THE BOWLER | JANUARY 2026

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With 20 points available in the final round, the championship was still up for grabs. Region 6 were set to verse Region 1, the eventual bottom of the ladder, and seized the opportunity, cruising to a 107–84 victory and collecting 18 points. That performance put them out of reach, securing the Men’s title.

The Women’s competition saw last year’s champions, Region 7, start their 2025/26 campaign strong with a win over Region 5. Going into the final round on Friday morning, the standings were: Region 7 – 4 wins, 70 points Region 4 – 3 wins, 62 points The final round saw Region 7 face Region 5, with 16 points up for grabs. The rinks were split 2–2, with Region 4 picking up 12 points and Region 7 just 4.

Both teams finished on 74 points and 34 rink points, bringing the title down to shot difference. Region 7 led comfortably by 18 shots, earning them their fourth championship in seven years.

Region 1 Women’s Team

Region 2 Women’s Team

Region 3 Women’s Team

Region 4 Women’s Team

Region 5 Women’s Team

Region 6 Women’s Team

Region 7 Women’s Team

Region 8 Women’s Team

Region 1 Men’s Team

Region 2 Men’s Team

Region 3 Men’s Team

Region 4 Men’s Team

Region 5 Men’s Team

Region 6 Men’s Team

Region 7 Men’s Team

Region 8 Men’s Team

MBA PREMIER LEAGUE MARQUEE GAME ADELAIDE V WEST LAKES

Adelaide (101) def. West Lakes (60) - S. Thulborn (17) def. N. Rankine (14) / C. Hicks (27) def. J. Field (14) / J. Gregory (38) def. P. Donoghue (11) / J.Voigt (19) def. by A. Robertson (21)

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THE BOWLER | FEBRUARY 2026

JACKAROOS NAMED FOR SCOTTISH FOUR-NATIONS TEST AHEAD OF GLASCOW 2026 Author: Aidan Davis - Bowls Australia Bowls Australia’s National Selection Panel has named 14 Australian Jackaroos and Para Jackaroos to contest the upcoming Scottish Four-Nations, in a crucial international hit-out on the road to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Staged from April 28 to May 1, with Scotland, Ireland, Malaysia and Australia in attendance, the tour represents a significant step in the final lead-in to Glasgow, providing athletes with valuable exposure to northern hemisphere conditions and high-quality international competition.

National Coach and Performance Director Gary Willis said the selections were squarely focused on preparation and performance.

“These selections are about providing opportunity, exposure and condition-specific competition to possible and probable athletes as we narrow our focus towards confirming our Commonwealth Games representatives,” Willis said.

“This tour is an important familiarisation and acclimatisation opportunity, with competition in northern hemisphere conditions against strong opposition critical in ensuring we are best prepared for success at Glasgow in 2026.”

The Four-Nations will play a key role in finalising the Open squads for the Commonwealth Games, with the touring team to be reduced to the final three men and three women following the event.

The Para teams head to Scotland in a strong position, with no additional players bolstering the touring party, however performances in Scotland, along with continued form, fitness and results across the broader squad, will remain part of the ongoing assessment process as selectors continue to evaluate all options ahead of Glasgow 2026.

The Open teams’ specific playing positions have not been locked in, with selectors retaining the flexibility to manoeuvre athletes throughout the competition as part of the evaluation process.

Selectors were encouraged by the form of the Open athletes during last week’s Bowls Premier League 23, where all eight selected players produced standout performances, including Aaron Wilson and Jamie-Lee Worsnop, who guided the Geelong Jets to a maiden title.

“The players selected have earned this opportunity through consistent performance and professionalism, and what will now be critical is their ability to adapt, embrace unfamiliar conditions and deliver as part of a cohesive, high-performing team,” Willis said.

Willis also acknowledged the work of fellow selectors, Chair Steve Glasson OAM, Therese Hastings, Dave Stockham, and National Assistant/Para Head Coach Karen Murphy AM. “The detail and diligence the panel continues to apply, both on and off the green, has been outstanding,” Willis said.

The Scottish Four-Nations promises to be a high-quality international contest and another positive step towards Commonwealth Games success for the Australian Jackaroos and Para Jackaroos.

The bowls competition at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games is scheduled to be staged from July 23 to August 2, with seven gold medals up for grabs, and for the first time in Commonwealth Games history, will be held indoors on portable rinks.

Australian Jackaroos & Para Jackaroos Para Women’s Pairs: Louise Hoskins & Serena Bonnell Men’s Pairs: Damien Delgado & James Reynolds Vision-Impaired Mixed Pairs: Jacky Hudson & Jake Fehlberg Open Women: Kelsey Cottrell, Dawn Hayman, Ellen Fife & Jamie-Lee Worsnop Men: Nathan Black, Aaron Teys, Corey Wedlock, Aaron Wilson THE BOWLER | FEBRUARY 2026

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MGA MEN’S COUNTRY CARNIVAL Finals day of the MGA Men’s Country Carnival was proudly hosted at the Marion Bowling Club, providing the perfect stage for a high-quality showcase of bowls. With a strong crowd in attendance, players and spectators alike were treated to a thrilling day of competition across singles, fours and pairs. Intense semi-finals set the tone early, before gold medal matches delivered standout performances and memorable moments throughout the day.

Four talented bowlers took to the greens chasing singles glory, with two hard-fought semi-finals opening the day. Gerrin Jenke (Berri) advanced to the final with a commanding 21–5 victory over Fergus Rowntree (Ardrossan). On the neighbouring rink, Andrew Stasinowsky (Murray Bridge) booked his place in the decider after defeating David Machin (Mount Barker) 21–14.

The gold medal match proved a test of composure and resilience. Jenke was slow out of the blocks, allowing Stasinowsky to jump out to an early 8–1 lead.

Drawing on his experience after finishing runner-up last year, Jenke steadily worked his way back into the contest, producing consistent bowls to regain control. His persistence paid off as he closed out a 21–16 win to claim the singles title.

The pairs semi-finals were full of drama, with both matches showcasing contrasting styles. Alistair Keller and Brenton Badenoch (Booleroo) held their nerve in a tight encounter, edging out Brenton Sinclair (Murray Bridge) and Derek Vanderzon (Jervois) 13–12. Meanwhile, the Streaky Bay pairing of Dave Benney and Mark Wrigley produced a strong display to defeat Eric Pitt and Ian Williams (Naracoorte) 18–3.

In the gold medal match, Keller and Badenoch saved their best for last. With the game finely balanced heading into the closing stages, the Booleroo duo picked up a crucial seven shots on the penultimate end, creating a comfortable buffer. They went on to claim an 18–9 victory and the pairs title.

The fours competition featured two tightly contested semi-finals. The team of Cameron Hill (Berri), Justin Morris (Angaston), Andrew Hill (Berri) and Stuart Forbes (Nuriootpa) pushed hard but were edged out 17–15 by the team of Mark Sharman and Daniel Glazbrook (Port Wakefield), Jordan Kotz (Robertstown) and Adrian Green (Kapunda).

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In the other semi-final, Mick Hayes (Moonta), Neville Jenke (Berri), Steve Eichenberger (Berri) and Gerrin Jenke (Berri) delivered a dominant performance, comfortably defeating the Pinnaroo quartet of Mark White, Stephen Venning, Jamie Simon and Jason Sharrad 22–6.

The gold medal match saw Green’s team assert their authority early. Their dominance never wavered, and they powered through to a convincing 23–10 victory to secure the fours championship.

Bowls SA extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated volunteers who generously contributed their time and effort. We sincerely appreciate your invaluable support, as without it, these events would not achieve the remarkable success they do year after year.

Thank you to everyone who competed in this great event! We look forward to having you and your friends back again next year for another massive week of country bowls!

MGA WOMEN’S COUNTRY CARNIVAL

Finals Day at the 2025–26 MGA Women’s Country Carnival brought top-class country bowls to Marion Bowling Club, with the venue buzzing from the first bowl to the final end.

A fantastic turnout created a brilliant atmosphere as the day unfolded through gripping Pairs and Fours contests. Closely fought semi-finals paved the way for high-quality gold medal clashes, showcasing composure, skill and plenty of memorable highlights.

Singles Note: Due to overlapping participants across the three disciplines, the Singles Semi Final and Final were not played during the carnival. Bowls SA will announce a new date and location soon, giving fans the chance to cheer on the competitors when they take to the greens.

The match ups for Singles Semi Finals are as follow; Kate Blacksell (Nuriootpa) v Jodi Kotz (Keith) and Cathryn Greenslade (Riverton) v Karen Kneebone (Murray Bridge) Pairs The Pairs competition provided edge-of-seat drama from start to finish. The semi-finals opened the day with high intensity. In Semi Final 1, Cathryn Greenslade (Riverton) and Jodi Kotz (Keith) produced a commanding display to defeat Lee Robinson (Milang) and Yvonne Kelly (Mallala) 30–6, never allowing their opponents to gain a foothold.

Meanwhile, Semi Final 2 went down to the wire, with Waikerie duo Jenny Johns and Judy Strauss narrowly defeating Melinda Pearce (B.H.A.S) and Karin Lynch (Laura) 12–11 on the last bowl of an extra end, demonstrating remarkable composure under pressure.

The Grand Final was a thrilling finale, with both pairs trading ends throughout the match.

Greenslade and Kotz managed to maintain their calm in the closing stages, delivering a last-bowl victory of 14–13 over Johns and Strauss. The win marked back-to-back MGA Women’s Country Carnival Pairs titles for Greenslade and Kotz — an extraordinary achievement that drew cheers from the crowd.

Fours In Semi Final 1, Lilian Sharman (Port Wakefield), Judy Rowett (Saddleworth), Pauline Mansell (Robertstown) and Kylie Day (Saddleworth) delivered a commanding performance, defeating Helen Heddle (Moonta), Julie Oborn (Wallaroo), Ann Robinson (Port Hughes) and Gayle Steinwedel (Moonta) 27–10.

Semi Final 2 saw Kate Blacksell (Nuriootpa), Karin Lynch (Laura), Cathryn Greenslade (Riverton) and Jodi Kotz (Keith) produce a composed display to overcome Wilhemina Barnett (Berri), Julie John (Monash), Jenny Johns (Waikerie) and Judy Strauss (Waikerie) 16–7, steadily building their advantage across the match.

The Final proved a true showcase of quality and cohesion. Blacksell, Lynch, Greenslade and Kotz set the tone from the outset, surging ahead and refusing to surrender momentum. While Sharman, Rowett, Mansell and Day fought hard to stay in contention, the eventual champions combined precision drawing with clinical finishing to secure a 22–10 victory and claim the Fours title in impressive fashion — going back-to-back in the process.

THE BOWLER | FEBRUARY 2026

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MGA COUNTRY CARNIVAL CHAMPIONS

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MBA PREMIER LEAGUE MARQUEE GAME SALISBURY V MODBURY

Salisbury (96) def. Modbury (66) - C.Hicls (19) def. by G. Meekcoms (20) / G. Soar (26) def. S. Dorr (13) / R. Naylor (23) def. G. Thompson (19) / J. Smith (28) def. C. flavel (14)

2025-26 CLUB CHAMPIONS

NICK WRIGLEY STREAKY BAY BOWLING CLUB

TREVOR SMITH TUMBY BAY BOWLING CLUB

SCOTT WALKER LAMEROO BOWLING CLUB

ADAM FRASER COLENEL LIGHT GARDENS BOWLING CLUB

DEB JONES TINTINARA BOWLING CLUB

COLIN BARKER HAPPY VALLEY BOWLING CLUB

Send your Club Champions photos to marketingmedia@bowlssa.com.au to feature

2025-26 CLUB CHAMPIONS

ROBBIE DAHLER ROBE BOWLING CLUB

RACHEL WOLFENDEN VICTOR HARBOR BOWLING CLUB

MARY BAUM HAPPY VALLEY BOWLING CLUB

KEVIN MUNRO TINTINARA BOWLING CLUB

ROB VAN DYK GOOLWA BOWLING CLUB

MANDY VAN DYK GOOLWA BOWLING CLUB

Send your Club Champions photos to marketingmedia@bowlssa.com.au to feature

ADELAIDE BOWLING CLUB LAUNCHES PIONEERS PATHWAYS YOUTH ACADEMY Adelaide Bowling Club recently held its first Pioneer Pathways Youth Academy sessions on Tuesday, January 20 and Thursday, January 22, marking an exciting step in the club’s long-term plan to grow youth participation in lawn bowls.

The youth academy has been years in the making, with the club’s Bowls Operations Committee and board keen to introduce more young players to the sport while also helping current junior bowlers develop and refine their skills. Dan Flannagan, appointed as Youth Academy Director, has been leading the initiative, supported by President Bob Burton, Bowls Manager Scott Thulborn, and the Bowls Operations Committee.

The two-session event aimed to provide new players with a hands-on introduction to bowls, as well as free coaching and practical experience for existing junior players across South Australia.

While Dan Flannagan was unable to attend, Scott Thulborn stepped in to oversee the sessions. Day one featured Brett Herbert from Bowls Australia, who ran coaching sessions, spoke to participants, and set up fun and challenging drills that were both educational and entertaining. On day two, Les Carter shared his knowledge and expertise, providing additional guidance and inspiration to the young players.

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The sessions also featured match play with Adelaide club players including Nathan Black, Charlie Hicks, Kobe Jarman, Sheridon Bodnar, Anda Panchawat, and Scott Thulborn, offering participants the chance to compete in high-standard games while enjoying plenty of laughs and high-fives.

Participation was open to players aged 12–17, who could register via email or phone. While only eight young bowlers attended, the smaller group allowed for personalised coaching and meaningful engagement with experienced players.

Adelaide Bowling Club sees the sessions as the first step in an ongoing youth program. “We are excited to build on this foundation and plan more opportunities for junior players in the future,” said a club spokesperson. The club previously ran a School Holiday program in September for under-18s, attracting 150 participants over five days, highlighting the strong interest in youth bowls.

With these inaugural sessions complete, Adelaide Bowling Club is committed to continuing its focus on nurturing the next generation of bowlers through skill development, mentorship, and fun on the greens.

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.

AWARD CATEGORIES CLICK THE BUTTON TO VIEW CRITERIA AND NOMINATE

LARGE CLUB OF THE YEAR

SMALL CLUB OF THE YEAR

NIGHT OWLS CLUB OF THE YEAR

COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

COACH OF THE YEAR

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

VOLUNTEER GREENKEEPER OF THE YEAR

MEDIA RECOGNITION AWARD THE BOWLER | FEBRUARY 2026

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2025 Award Winners

Volunteer of the Year: Jackie Field West Lakes Bowling Club

Volunteer of the Year: David Walker Torrensville Bowling Club

Administrator of the Year: Simon Quilley Millswood Bowling Club

Official of the Year: Christopher Jackson Millswood Bowling Club

Coach of the Year: Mike Wildash Wallaroo Bowling Club

Volunteer Green Keeper of the Year: Brian May Kadina Bowling Club

Media Recognition Award: Phil Fechner and Pete Mathews Drive to Draw Podcast Harrison Geater-Johnson

Women’s State Event Player of the Year: Beth Quinlan Ascot Park Bowling Club

Men’s State Event Player of the Year: Jono Voigt Adelaide Bowling Club

Women’s State Representative of the Year: Kate Argent-Bowden Adelaide Bowling Club

Men’s State Representative of the Year Wayne Ruediger Grange Bowling Club

Women’s O60’s State Representative of the Year: Beth Quinlan Ascot Park Bowling Club

Men’s O60’s State Representative of the Year: Anthony Treloar Ascot Park Bowling Club

Para State Representative of the Year: Andrew Reed Morphett Vale Memorial Bowling Club

Girls Under 18 Player of the Year: Daisy Coe Gladstone Bowling Club

Boys Under 18 Player of the Year: Charlie Hicks Adelaide Bowling Club

MGA Women’s Country Carnival Player of the Year: Kate Blacksell Nuriootpa Bowling Club

MGA Men’s Country Carnival Player of the Year Todd Brand Gladstone Bowling Club

2025 Award Winners

Community Spirit Award: Henley Bowling Club

Night Owls Club of the Year: Millswood Bowling Club

Small Club of the Year: Robertstown Bowling Club

Large Club of the Year: Port Noarlunga Bowling Club

NATIONAL RANKINGS: FEBRUARY 2026 Author; Val Febbo - Bowls Australia The first month of 2026 has seen no change at the helm of the National Player Rankings with the calendar set to ramp up heading into March.

The men’s update sees Corey Wedlock retaining his number one position and continuing his streak on top of the mountain.

His lead over Josh Walker-Davis has shifted slightly, increading from 138 points last month to 162 points now, an enormous buffer that reinforces his dominance at the head of the table.

Nathan Black has remained in third position, a further 20 points behind Walker-Davis, while Kane Nelson keeps fourth place a further 17 adrift of Black.

Ireland’s Gary Kelly has made his way back into the top quintet.

The women’s rankings sees Kelly McKerihen keeping her place atop the tree with Selina Goddard in second once again.

Her buffer over Goddard remains at 25 points, with the New Zealand born star also taking home an Australian title in November in the women’s fours.

Brianna Smith stays in third place ahead of her newly minted Australian teammate in Olivia Cartwright , while Kelsey Cottrell remains in the top five a further ten points adrift of Cartwright.

Pictured: Top Ranked SA Men’s Player - Nathan Black 20 THE BOWLER | FEBRUARY 2026

Pictured: Top Ranked SA Women’s Player - Katrina

CELEBRATING LORENZO: HAWTHORN’S LAWN BOWLS LEGEND STILL ROLLING STRONG AT 99 Lorenzo Dissegna is not your typical pennant player. At 99 years young, he is a wonderful ambassador for lawn bowls—proof that the sport truly welcomes people of all ages. Beyond the joy of competition, Lorenzo embodies the strong sense of community that brings players together across generations.

Remarkably, Lorenzo only discovered lawn bowls in his 80s. He joined Hawthorn Bowling Club in 2011 and quickly proved that it’s never too late to try something new and make your mark. Embracing the challenge of learning a new sport later in life, Lorenzo soon became a valued and respected member of the club.

Three—and sometimes four—times a week, Lorenzo arrives at the club to practice and compete. You’ll find him on the greens in both the Wednesday men’s competition and the Saturday open competition, continuing to play with enthusiasm and determination.

His longevity, both as a player and as a cherished member of the club, is a testament to the health benefits and social rewards of lawn bowls. Lorenzo shows us every day that age is just a number, and that a competitive spirit can last a lifetime.

As Hawthorn Bowling Club celebrates its own milestones, we proudly salute Lorenzo for his remarkable journey. Here’s to many more ends played, mates made, and memories shared. Thank you, Lorenzo, for showing us all how to live life to the fullest

THE BOWLER | FEBRUARY 2026

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ASK THE UMPIRE Q : A bowl in motion (non Toucher) enters the ditch and disturbs a toucher in the ditch.

What action is to be taken?

A : If a toucher in the ditch is displaced by a non toucher from the rink of play, the bowl entering the ditch is a dead bowl. It must be removed and the opponent or marker must put the toucher in the ditch, back to its former position. Law 37.7 Q : A bowler played out of turn and displaces the head. What should be done?

A : The opposing skip must choose whether to; • leave the disturbed head as it is and have their team play two bowls one after the other to get back to the correct order of play. Law 29.1.3.1 OR • replace the head to its former position, return the bowl and go back to the proper order of play. Law 29.1.3.2 OR • declare the end dead. Law 29.1.3.3 Do you have a Laws of the Sport Question for the Officiating Committee?

Send it through to reception@bowlssa.com.au

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Are you the best Night Owls Team in the State?

The Night Owls competition is back — starting with Regional Finals before progressing to the State Final.

Join the fun at your regional final and prove you’ve got what it takes to advance to the next level!

Registrations for all regional finals close Wednesday, March 25 CHECK OUT THE DETAILS OF YOUR REGIONAL COMPETITION

BOWLS PREMIER LEAGUE 23 FEBRUARY 16-20, 2026

SCOTT THULBORN

WAYNE RUEDIGER

ADELAIDE PIONEERS: FINAL POSITION - 9TH Click here for all the results

KELLY MCKERIHEN CLAYTON BOWLS CLUB (VIC)

JUNIOR BPL CHALLENGE

KOBE JARMAN

CHARLIE HICKS

ADELAIDE PIONEERS: FINAL POSITION 4TH IN SECTION Click here for all the results

ANDA PANCHAWAT

BOARD MEMBER PROFILE: KEITH SEANARD - DIRECTOR Keith joined the Bowls SA Board as an Independent Director in 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering and a Master of Business Administration and brings more than 30 years of international leadership experience managing major projects across the globe.

Throughout his career Keith worked closely with local and national governments, corporations and community stakeholders in a wide range of cultural and business environments. His roles required strong leadership, strategic planning and the ability to deliver complex projects while building effective relationships across diverse organisations.

In addition to his professional career, Keith has held leadership and board positions with several non-profit organisations, including the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the US National Multiple Sclerosis Society, where he contributed to governance, organisational development and community engagement.

Keith’s interest in joining the Bowls SA Board was driven by a desire to bring a broad strategic and entrepreneurial perspective to the future development of the sport in South Australia. He believes there is significant opportunity to grow participation by making better use of the state’s bowling facilities and introducing a range of competitive formats that appeal to different players.

Keith is particularly encouraged by Bowls SA’s recent focus on youth participation, including initiatives to support under-18 bowlers, and believes building the next generation of players will be critical to the longterm sustainability of the sport.

Keith’s aim is to contribute to the continued development of Bowls SA by applying his experience in leadership, governance and strategic thinking to help strengthen the sport and encourage more people to

THE BOWLER | November 2025

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PREVIOUSLY IN OUR PAGES The SA Bowler - January 2012

Start here

How are you really going?

“I’m good.”

Are you really? Because I’ve noticed a change in your [insert specific change].

“I’m struggling a bit.”

“No.”

Would you like to talk about it together?

“Not right now.”

“Yes.”

“Yes.”

Listen without judgement. No solutions.

No problem solving. Just listen.

Ok. I’m always available if you change your mind.

Thank you for sharing that and trusting me. What would you like from me right now? (Offer the 4 H’s)

To be HEARD

A HUG

A feeling of HOPE

• Provide space for someone to talk.

• Often, people will feel a lot better after getting something off their mind and saying it aloud.

• You don't have to provide any solution, simply listen, and where appropriate, validate their feelings.

• Sometimes people just want to feel reassured and need a hug.

• Ask if they need a hug.

• Did you know a hug lowers blood pressure, boosts immune function and reduces stress?

• Hope means different things for different people. For some, this might be to feel validated, seen and heard.

• Spending time with someone / letting them know that you care about them, is all someone might need to have a feeling of hope.

Thank you for trusting me and opening up. I’m always here to listen whenever you need it.

To be HELPED • This should be led by the person you're talking with. Some questions to help prompt them could be: - “What help do you think you might need?”

- “Do you need any help taking these steps?”

- It's important we don't “take over” and tell someone what they “should” do. We are there to listen, and point them in a direction of support if that's what they would like.

Help them find mental health services in SA. If you need urgent support, please call 000 or Lifeline 's 24-hour telephone line 13 11 14.

For a full list of support services, head to www.healthpartners.com.au/getting-support

Here are some other ways you can finish the conversation: • • • •

Thanks for trusting me and opening up. I’m here to listen whenever you need.”

I’m here for you. We’ll figure this out.

If you need anything, I’m here to help.

Would it be helpful if I checked back in with you in a couple of days?

Check back in that night/the next day.

A simple text shows that you heard, that you care and offers hope.

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COMPLAINTS, DISPUTES AND DISCIPLINE POLICY Overview

Other relevant Policies

The Complaints, Disputes and Disciplines Policy (CDDP) provides sport and its participants with a complaint management process that can be run by either Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) or the sport.

Your sport can use the CDDP to manage allegations of Prohibited Conduct under other policies they may have.

The CDDP sets out the process for how Complaints will be managed and, if required, how any sanctions will be imposed. SIA only manages matters related to Safeguarding Children and Young People, and/or Discrimination.

The use of the CDDP to manage other relevant policies is at the discretion of your sport.

Why make a complaint?

Sport is a wonderful part of Australian society, providing physical, mental and social benefits for everyone who participates.

To keep people involved in sport, we need to make sure it is safe and fair for everyone. Unfortunately, sometimes people turn a blind eye to poor behaviour, even when it’s clear that something unacceptable has happened or people have been hurt.

Reporting these behaviours as soon as they occur can address the behaviour, prevent any ongoing issues and make sure they don’t get worse. Holding people accountable for bad behaviour also sets a standard within sport that these types of conduct won’t be tolerated. Doing so will protect all participants, and build environments that are safe, fun and fair for everyone.

What is managed under the Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy?

The CDDP can be used to manage any instance of Prohibited Conduct under these policies: Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy Member Protection Policy Competition Manipulation and Sport Wagering Policy

Examples could include Code of Conduct, Governance, or Social Media policies.

You should check your sport’s Integrity page on their website, or with your National Integrity Manager for more information on any additional policies that will utilise the CDDP for complaint management.

What is not managed under the Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy?

The CDDP is forward-looking and puts in place a new process to protect the future of Australian sport. As such, Complaints that have already been managed under another complaints process in the past cannot be managed under the CDDP unless new information becomes available or there is a compelling reason to do so.

Additionally, non-recent complaints, or complaints about Prohibited Conduct that occurred before your sport adopted the CDDP, cannot be managed through this process. Poor conduct which occurred before this should be managed under the disciplinary policies in place at the time.

Reporting non-recent matters to Sport Integrity Australia Participants can report non-recent Child Safeguarding matters or Discrimination matters to Sport Integrity Australia if they choose. This information can then be used in ways other than this complaint process to make sure similar behaviour doesn’t occur in future – for example, to help build education and intervention programs.

Sport Integrity Australia can also pass the information to someone else who may be able to take action if appropriate (for example, police or a child protection agency).

Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy

Sport Integrity Australia’s Safe Sport Hotline provides guidance and support on integrity matters in sport.

Other relevant policies as defined by your sport.

Call 1800 161 361.

SPORTINTEGRITY.GOV.AU

Where to make a Complaint

Prohibited Conduct

Complaints should be made to your sport. To find out how to make Complaints to your sport, visit the Sporting organisations signed up to the National Integrity Framework page on the Sport Integrity Australia website.

The CDDP also outlines Prohibited Conduct relevant to the Complaints Process.

The following actions and behaviours are breaches of the Policy:

If your sport has adopted the NIF and is about Discrimination or any issue relating to the Child Safeguarding Policy, you can make the Complaint to Sport Integrity Australia by filling in the online form at sportintegrity.gov.au/making-integrity-complaint-orreport. If you are not sure where to submit your complaint – you can call us for guidance and assistance on where to report your complaint.

Failure to report potential Prohibited Conduct once aware of it.

What is the Complaints Process?

Failure to provide information or documentation when requested during the Complaints Process.

Once a Complaint is received, it will be evaluated to determine whether it can be managed under the CDDP. If the Complaint meets the requirements to be managed under the CDDP, it will be assessed under the Case Categorisation Model.

If the Complaint is assessed as ‘Category 1’ it may be managed through a range of measures such as education rather than a formal investigation.

If the Complaint is assessed as Category 2 or 3, the Complaint may be investigated and will lead to a finding about what may have happened.

As part of an investigation, people involved with the Complaint, including witnesses, may be contacted to provide information about the allegations that have been made.

If there is not enough evidence to substantiate the Complaint, the process will end. If there is enough evidence to suggest the alleged conduct is more likely to have occurred than not, the allegation/s in the Complaint will be found to be substantiated and the sport will issue a breach notice and manage the resolution process, including deciding and enforcing any sanction they deem appropriate.

Deliberately withholding information about Prohibited Conduct during the Complaints Process.

Deliberately providing inaccurate or misleading information during the Complaints Process.

Failure to comply with any sanction/s as required.

Failure to keep information about a Complaints Process confidential.

Full definitions of Prohibited Conduct are available in the CDDP.

Find out more For more information on the National Integrity Framework, and the Complaints, Disputes, and Discipline Policy, visit sportintegrity.gov.au/makingintegrity-complaint-or-report.

Disclaimer This fact sheet does not replace the National Integrity Framework Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy.

The Policy applies and overrules this fact sheet in any instances.

The Respondent may appeal the Breach Notice or sanction before the matter is finalised.

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At any time during the process, the matter may be referred to an external organisation such as to law enforcement or a child protection agency if required.

SPORTINTEGRITY.GOV.AU