FROM THE CEO’S DESK // NICKY BETHWAITE // CEO
New Year, New Aspirations Whatever else Christmas and New Year represent, they are an appropriate time to take stock of the association’s welfare at the close of 2013 and beginning of 2014. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what’s been achieved, whether it was useful and the planning for the year ahead. On that basis, here is a brief recap of several significant events that occurred during the past 12 months at state level that has had a wide impact on the sport in NSW: MILESTONES AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2013 •• New IT system – after four years of planning, a nationwide consensus was reached with all 10 bowling associations accepting IMG STG’s tender to implement a national IT system. This is a substantial investment in the future for the sport of bowling and while we are still finalising the membership data uploads, we are nearing the point where we will be able to make the complete switch from the old system to the new. •• New website – a new association website was launched on 1 July 2013 and is in a continuing state of change. New events, competitions, association policies and all membership guidelines are available at the touch of a key. On-line registrations and entry to state events will be available sometime in 2014. •• Club and district websites – 84 websites have been created around the state, mostly clubs and also some districts. Lots of helpful information is available via the Women’s Bowls NSW website to assist with building smart, informative web pages that promote the clubs. •• 12 roadshows around NSW were conducted to impart IT information – a mostly impressive turnout to these roadshows gave interested clubs an idea of the potential of the new IT system and how the new websites will interact. Competition management, scoring, event registration and management of membership data are becoming available to everyone. •• End of an era with Magpro – 2013 marked the end of an era with our magazine publishers Magpro. After nearly 50 year’s association, we would like to say a big thank you and to wish Bob and Sue Ellis all the best in their retirement. •• Pennant moratorium – this was a fabulous example of democracy in action. I’m not sure if it resolved Page 6
everyone’s issues but it was a salutary lesson in making decisions for the majority and not the noisy minority. •• Close working relationship with RNSWBA – it has been interesting to work with the men’s association over the past 12 months with a high degree of cooperation. We are looking forward to continuing in this vein. The subject of unification does come up occasionally but is certainly not on either association’s agenda. There are substantial issues still to be resolved before this can be taken seriously. •• APL – it was terrific to see this event finally get off the ground in such an enthusiastic and innovative fashion. There is a shortened club format follow up planned in the form of ‘Jack Attack’ that is being rolled out (pun intended) in selected clubs over the next couple of months. Stay tuned for more information. And now we are looking forward to 2014. Some of the highlights will include: •• Implementing the marketing program in line with the Strategic Plan – there are several threads to overhaul our image which include: – Change of name to Women’s Bowls NSW. Technically, we are the NSW Women’s Bowling Association Inc. trading as Women’s Bowls NSW. As of 1st January 2014, we will become known as Women’s Bowls NSW. – New logo competition – this has been launched on the website and we are inviting anyone and everyone to have a go. We are offering a cash prize of $1000 for the successful logo and the winner will be announced at the State Carnival Dinner on Sunday 25th May 2014. See the website for details. – New sponsorship opportunities. •• Boundaries discussion and feedback – the feedback has been tremendous, the method of evaluation is yet to be determined as sheer volume is not always relevant. Change is inevitable, intelligent change is what we are
aiming for as the population density trends towards the north and east. If changes to boundaries are deemed necessary by the Board, it will be implemented in a highly consultative way, with Districts and clubs being part of the decision making process. •• Updated dress policy to bring us into line with the rest of Australia – valid from 1st January 2014. More options are now available, including sleeveless shirts and skorts, another step to removing any perceived barriers to taking up the sport. •• Flexible playing policies – the association will be continuing to encourage clubs, particularly those suffering membership losses, to embrace a more flexible approach to their playing schedule. Including options of bowling on weekends and afternoons may invite new membership from people whose time is limited by other commitments. •• On-line entries will become available – all part of the new IT system options •• Annual returns using the new IT system •• All our regular events – State Carnival, Metro v Country – will be conducted in the professional manner which all have become accustomed to. Sponsorship of these events will also be pursued vigorously. May I take this opportunity to wish you all the best for 2014 and I am looking forward to meeting new friends and interacting with the bowling community around the state in pursuit of improving access to our game and increasing enjoyment wherever possible. I do value your feedback and provided it is sensible and objective will do everything I can to offer help and assistance to you or your club. Nicky Bethwaite CEO
Bowls Matters January - February 2014