Bowlers among 2023 Australia Day honour recipients
More than 1000 Australians have been recognised with Australia Day honours, with a handful of people from the bowls community among the recipients.
Several bowlers from across the country were recognised with Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to their community, including work they have done with bowls clubs.
Ronald Palmer was directly recognised for his work within bowls, with his honour awarded to him for his ‘service to lawn bowls’.
Mr Palmer has served in key roles at several clubs, including Eastwood Bowls Club president for six years, Ryde Eastwood Bowling Club president for seven years and vice-chairman at Brush Park Bowling Club for three years.
He was won countless titles, served as a national umpire and coach for 30 years and received the Australian Sports Medal in 2001.
“Congratulations to the outstanding Australians recognised in today’s Honours List. The recipients have had a significant impact at the local, national and international level and are, quite simply, inspiring,” Governor-General David Hurley AC DSC said.
“They go above and beyond, are from all over the country, and contribute every day in every way imaginable. These are the people who see us through good times and bad. They’re the first to show up and the last to leave.
“They’re almost always humble to a fault but I urge recipients, for today, to put aside that humility – it’s important they know how much they are valued.”
Bowls Australia CEO Matthew Kennedy praised all recipients for their commitment to their communities and the sport over many years.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our sport, so I congratulate all recipients on this recognition for many years of hard work and dedication,” he said.
2023Australia Day recipients (bowls contributors)
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM):
Geoffrey Ambler
For service to the community of Salisbury
Salisbury Bowling Club
- President, 2014-2019
- Committee Member since 2012
- Life Member, 2021
- Member, since 1988
Kevin Clifton
For service to the community of Tamworth
South Tamworth Bowling Club
- Former President
- Club Coach and Chairman of Coaches, Zone 3, since 2015
- Level 2 Coach, 2002-2015
- Former District Association Delegate
- Life Member
Brian Doherty
For service to the community through a range of organisations
Walkerville Bowling Club
- President, 1996-1997.
- Member, 1983-2013.
Trevor Gordon
For service to the community through a range of organisations
Treasurer, Hallet Bowling Club, 1970-1977.
Robert King
For service to the community of Nuriootpa
Nuriootpa Bowling Club
- President, 1989-1990
- Committee Member, 1980-2010s
- Player and Selector, 1980-2010s
Ellen Leis
For service to the community of Bundaberg
Brothers Bundaberg Bowls Club
- Treasurer, since 2011
- President, 2010-2011, and 2013-2016
- Senior Vice-President, 2009
- Provider and Assistant Treasurer, 2020-2021
- Chair, Support Committee, 2017
- Provider, 2003-2008
- Life Member, 2007
- Caterer, 2002
- Member, since 2001
Garry Leo
For service to rugby league, and to the community
Former Chief Executive Officer, Dubbo Railway Bowling Club, 2005-2009.
Kenneth Mansfield
For service to the community of Geelong
Highton Bowls Club
- Director, 2009-2010
- Deputy Director, 2008-2009
- Vice President, Men’s Bowls, 2007-2008
- Club Umpire, 2009-2018
- Grants Coordinator, since 2012
- Member, Garden Committee, since 2004
- Member, since 2002
Henry Meskauskas
For service to the community of Maitland.
Club Maitland City (Maitland City Bowls Club)
- Chairman, since 2015
- Board Director, since 2010
- Life Member
Elizabeth Nalder
For service to the community of Gilgandra
President, Women’s Bowling Club, 2005-2007.
Ronald Palmer
For service to lawn bowls
Lawn Bowls
- President, Eastwood Bowls Club, 6 years
- President, Ryde Eastwood Bowling Club, 7 years
- Vice-Chairman, Brush Park Bowling Club, 3 years
- National Bowls Umpire and Coach, 30 years
- Bowler, since 1976. Won 20 singles titles, 35 pairs finals, various district singles and fours events, and a State’s Sides Fours event
Awards and Recognition include: - Australian Sports Medal, 2001
Joan Ryan
For service to the community through a range of organisations.
Manly Women’s Bowling Club
- President, 2017-2020.
- Secretary.
- Coach.
- Umpire.
- Match Committee.
- Member, since 2003.
- Life Member, 2012.
- Club Person of the Year, 2016.
Manly Men’s Bowling Club
- Coach.
- Umpire.
William Smith
For service to the community through a range of organisations.
Queensland Taxi Bowls Club
- Various executive positions including President, Secretary, Treasurer and Games Director, since 1982.
- Author, 50-Year History of the Queensland Taxi Bowls Club 1949-1999.
- Life Member, 1999.
Reverend Gayle Teasdale
For service to the community, particularly through the church
Kerang Lawn Bowls Club
- Secretary, Ladies Section, current.
- President, 2012-2019.
- Secretary, 2009-2012.
- Accredited National Bowls Umpire, current.
Kenneth White
For service to the community of the Cardinia Shire
Longwarry Bowling Club
- Member, since 1983.
- Life Member, since 2018.
- Secretary, 2009-2022.
- Member, Selection Committee, 2010-2020 and 1995-1996.
- Club Delegate, 20 years.
- Former Press Correspondent.
