Lawn Bowls
25 September, 2025
Great numbers for annual all-abilities bowls in Stawell
It was a perfect day for the annual all-abilities lawn bowling event at Stawell Bowling Club on Thursday September 18.
This event is an initiative of the Access For All Abilities program (inclusive sport and recreation for all abilities) which is funded by Sport & Recreation of Victoria.
Favourite AFL football colours was once again the theme for the event so there was a great mix of colour on and off the greens for the day.
Rhonda Allan of Mallee Sports Assembly, Wycheproof, once again liaised with Stawell Bowling Club to open their doors for people of all abilities.
As usual, they were very co-operative in supporting inclusive sport and recreation.
“The club is an ideal central regional location that is fully accessible and also has the right equipment to assist participants with limited mobility for the game of bowls,” Allan said.
“Each year their volunteer members are in full support to assist with the facilitation of the event.
"Many of our local lawn bowling clubs have now commenced their season so it is an ideal time to conduct the program, hoping it encourages the participants to join up with their local clubs, even if it is only on a social basis."
Other partners for the event were Matt Jolly from Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly, Horsham, Caitlin Johnston and Matt Begbie from Sports Central, Ballarat, and Peter Williams from Bowls Australia, who were also on deck to assist on the day.
Josh Thornton from Bowls Victoria was an apology for the event.
The venue was decorated in helium balloons in the colours of the remaining four AFL teams in the finals – Brisbane Lions, Geelong Cats, Collingwood and Hawthorn – (thanks to Caitlin) and posters to add to the theme.
Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly supplied bottled water for each participant.
Peter assisted the participants with lawn bowling and modified equipment was used to increase participation opportunities.
Rhonda welcomed everyone while they had a quick cuppa and biscuit after arriving.
All participants were graded before the day and placed in different skill level sections – there was a level to suit every ability.
The Jack Attack kit provided a modified game to encourage increased participation.
This equipment assists the newcomers and participants with limited ability with their game.
This was very popular, giving their game another angle of approach.
There was also a tube device set up which allowed people with limited movement to join in the game.
There was plenty of action on all greens during the day.
Following play, everyone enjoyed a barbecue lunch and fresh fruit platters prepared by Stawell Bowling Club.
A big thank you to Stawell Bowling Club for hosting the day.
Numbers were similar to last year: 48 participants (people of all abilities), 24 staff/carers, four sports staff (regional sports assemblies), one state sporting association and approximately nine Stawell Bowling Club volunteers attended, making a total of 88 people, which was excellent.
Well done to all the supportive staff and carers who went along to assist and encourage the participants and help make it such a successful event.
Stawell Bowling Club assisted with coaching, cooking and serving the food – a job well done and much appreciated by all.
They also provided the bowling equipment required for participation.
At the close of the event, Rhonda presented club member Rita Pyke of Stawell Bowling Club with a certificate of appreciation for their continued support of inclusive sport and recreation.
All participants were given certificates of participation (developed by Bowls Victoria) and everyone went home very happy with the day.
- McCallum Day Services, Alfredton.
A great day was had by all, and the organisers hope to see even more attend the 2026 event.
