Bowls ACT Member Forum
Bowls ACT host first members forum at Canberra North Bowling Club
Monday August 7th saw over 20 members from club across the capital region attened the first of what are planned to become regular members forum events giving clubs and members an opportunity to meet with Bowls ACT staff and committee members and host an open discussion about issues important to the sport. Bowls ACT with to thank The RUC for the use of the venue and the provision of hot beverages to the attendees.
Bowls ACT Executive Officer Nick Hind led the discussion which gave a background on the current state of the sport, Bowls ACT as an organisation and the roles which board, committees, clubs and members all play. Further discussion touched on new BACT partnerships and thanked those organisations which support Bowls ACT.
There was robust discussion around the challenges with building a calendar and competition formats, reporting on the growth (of 8%) of nominations in BACT competitions in 2023 and plans for the 2024 playing season. Match committee member Charles Smith was able to provide detail around some of the specific challenges with events and a detailed explanation of how the survey feedback was used to further optimise Bowls ACT competitions. Clubs will be soon sent the 2024 draft calendar for feedback.
BowlsLink was highlighted as an areas for clubs to expand their knowledge with Tuggeranong Vikings leading the way in implementation for club competitions. Further BowlsLink training will be made available via online learning, webinar and face-to-face in 2023.
Bowls ACT were able to advise that Chris Walker (QRSL) had been nominated for the Bowls Australia Volunteer of the Year Award and thanked all clubs and volunteers for their support of Bowls ACT and hosting events in 2023.
A common theme was the challenges with volunteers with all clubs facing similar issues. Yass Bowling Club was able to report that success in recruitment has assisted finding new members to take on volunteer roles while Belconnen Bowling Club shared the successes of their twilight Barefoot Competition which has already attracted many new players into the club.
ACT Board Member Paul McAlister spoke of the positive work leading to growth in junior numbers and development while highlighting Yowani Bowling Club for their efforts in hosting junior development events.
Geoff McKay (Canberra BC) and Mark Carter (CNBC) both requested follow-up on the BACT strategic plan and requested Bowls ACT push the ACT government for actions coming from the RSM report, both of which will become higher priorities.
Bowls ACT plan for the next members forum to be held in Spring 2023 and look forward to seeing more representatives in attendance. Bowls ACT plan to engage the services of Volunteers Australia/ACT to deliver a session on volunteerism and how to best engage with a new generation of volunteers.
