Thursday, May 11, 2023
Bowls Australia (BA) has launched its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy, the development of which was identified as one of the key priorities in the organisation’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan.
The Strategy’s overarching goal is to increase participation within underrepresented community groups by making the sport of bowls more inclusive and welcoming.
Over a three-year period, BA will work to achieve identified strategic objectives across six functional areas, encompassing Equity (Women and Girls), Pride in Sport, First Nations, Multicultural, All Abilities and Inclusion & Safety.
The delivery of the Strategy will be overseen by BA’s Diversity & Inclusion Manager David van der Waal, who said that it will contribute to BA’s purpose of “connecting more people to bowls – in more ways – more often.”
“Ensuring that the bowls community is truly reflective of the wider Australian population will aid and contribute to bowls clubs being welcoming community hubs and ensuring they are culturally rich environments where everyone is safe and can thrive,” van der Waal said.
“It’s important that BA lead by example, with its Board and staff championing the cause and playing a significant role in the delivery of the identified initiatives, and working alongside external consultants to ensure the roll-out of the strategy is handled with the utmost thought and care.”
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion involves increasing awareness through sharing experiences and listening to perspectives from people from all backgrounds with a growth mindset.
As an ongoing component of the Strategy, BA will invest in providing regular training for all staff in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion space.
For any enquiries relating to BA’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategy, contact David at dvanderwaal@bowls.com.au.