Former Governor-General named as Bowls Australia patron
One of Australia’s most distinguished individuals will represent Bowls Australia (BA) as an official patron.
The Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd) has agreed to be the patron of Bowls Australia.
Sir Peter is one of the nation’s most decorated figures, having served in the military from 1968 until 2005, reaching positions of Chief of Army and Chief of the Australian Defence Force.
In 2014 he was sworn in as Australia’s Governor-General, one of the highest offices in the country, serving until June 2019. He boasts an impressive list of awards and honours, including being named as Australian of the Year in 2001 and earning a knighthood in 2014.
In retirement, he remains involved with defence, health and other charitable organisations and is an avid sports fan and supporter of Australian sport.
“There is no more life affirming sight than Australia’s men and women having a ‘roll-up’ at one of the hundreds of iconic clubs around the nation,” Sir Peter said.
BA President Darryl Clout said it is an honour to have someone of Sir Peter’s stature to represent the sport.
“On behalf of the Australian bowls community I am honoured and delighted to welcome Sir Peter as our patron,” he said.
“We look forward to him renewing a relationship which started during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games where he displayed his enthusiastic support for the Jackaroos on a number of occasions.
“He will certainly be warmly received at each event or function he attends.”
Sir Peter Cosgrove’s awards and honours:
- The Military Cross (MC) for his performance and leadership in Vietnam during an assault on enemy positions (1971)
- Member in the Military Division of the Order of Australia (AM) for service in command 1983-84.
- Promoted to Companion of Order of Australia (AC) for leadership of INTERFET
- Australian of the Year in 2001
- Knight in the Order of Australia in 2014
- Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, appointed by Her Majesty the Queen in August 2019.
