2025 Bowls SA Awards Winners Crowned
The 2025 Bowls SA Awards Night took place at the Morphettville Racecourse on Friday Night, May 30, with an audience of more than 300 bowlers, sponsors, and honoured guests.
Recognising the achievements of people from all corners of the sport across South Australia, let’s applaud all the winners who were recognised:
Wayne Ruediger Signed Guernsey Presentation
During the 2024 Nationals, Wayne Ruediger – Cap #150 –broke the South Australian state games record by playing his 406th match — a remarkable achievement that will stand in the history books.
Outstanding Service to the Sport of Lawn Bowls – Coaching Excellence – Tony Lucas
Tony’s dedication to both the Development Squad and the Open Women’s State Side has shaped the pathway for countless players. His leadership, knowledge, and passion have left a lasting impact on the game in South Australia.
CLUB AWARDS
Community Spirit Recognition – Henley Bowling Club
Led by Bruce Rankin, the Henley coaching team has created a player development pathway that is inclusive, structured, and community-focused. Their support has transitioned many social bowlers into confident pennant players and created a welcoming space for all.
Large Club of the Year – Port Noarlunga Bowling Club
Port Noarlunga’s year has been a story of expansion and innovation—record membership, major facility upgrades, thriving social programs, and on-green success make it a standout in the state.
Small Club of the Year – Robertstown Bowling Club
With under 30 members, Robertstown has defied the odds through sheer volunteer strength, community pride, and grassroots energy. A shining example of what a small club can achieve with big heart.
Night Owls Club of the Year – Millswood Bowling Club
With over 40 teams and 200+ participants weekly, Millswood has turned Night Owls into a local institution. The atmosphere, organisation, and community spirit are second to none.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Volunteer of the Year – Jackie Field (West Lakes Bowling Club) and David Walker (Torrensville Bowling Club)
Jackie is the heartbeat of West Lakes, supporting Night Owls, fundraising, hospitality, and mentoring—always with a smile. Her selfless contribution embodies the soul of bowls.
David is the ultimate behind-the-scenes hero. From green maintenance to event setup, he does it all quietly, reliably, and with a deep love for his club.
Administrator of the Year – Simon Quilley (Millswood Bowling Club)
Simon’s leadership at Millswood Bowling Club has been nothing short of transformative. His strategic approach to governance, community engagement, and club development has positioned Millswood as a model club within the state.
Official of the Year Award – Christopher Jackson (Millswood Bowling Club)
Christopher is a calm, respected presence on the green. He consistently delivers fairness and excellence at high-level events across the state
Coach of the Year Award – Michael Wildash (Wallaroo Bowling Club)
Michael’s structured, inclusive coaching programs have helped elevate Wallaroo’s player development. His holistic approach to skill-building and mentoring continues to grow a confident, competitive and connected club environment.
Volunteer Greenkeeper Award – Brian May (Kadina Bowling Club)
For more than five years, Brian May has quietly and diligently maintained the greens at Kadina Bowling Club to an exceptional standard—earning admiration from players across the region. His deep knowledge, consistency, and pride in his work ensure that every bowler at Kadina enjoys a reliable and high-quality playing surface.
Media Recognition Award – Harrison Geater-Johnson and Pete Mathews / Phil Fechner
Harrison has revolutionised Arthurton’s digital presence. His eye-catching graphics and regular social media updates have helped boost visibility and engagement across regional bowls.
Pete’s and Phil’s “Drive to Draw” podcast has become essential listening across the bowls community. Through interviews and storytelling, he’s built a loyal audience that celebrates the sport.
PLAYING AWARDS
Women’s State Event Player of the Year – Beth Quinlan (Ascot Park Bowling Club)
Beth made three appearances during Finals Week, finishing runner-up in both the Fours and Pairs, and reaching the Final 8 of the Mixed Pairs.
Men’s State Event Player of the Year – Jonathan Voigt (Adelaide Bowling club)
Jonathan had an extraordinary year across all aspects of his bowls. During finals week, Jono played in three events and took out all three — the State Fours, State Pairs, and Paladin State Singles!
Women’s State Representative of the Year – Kate Argent-Bowden (Adelaide Bowling Club)
Kate showed her dominance across the greens at Tweed Heads this season, leading her rink to 4 wins over 7 games. Kate has been an integral part of the South Australia team since her debut at 14, and has been a finalist in this category for the past three years.
Men’s State Representative of the Year – Wayne Ruediger (Grange Bowling Club)
Fittingly, Wayne was the star of the series! Reaching an incredible 400 games, and then setting a new record with 406 games played, Wayne truly wound back the clock to show his enduring excellence and skill.
Women’s Over 60’s State Representative of the Year – Beth Quinlan (Ascot Park Bowling Club)
Beth has now claimed this award two years running after recently moving to South Australia. Another standout series saw her skipper her team to 6 wins, with only 1 loss – an incredible performance!
Men’s Over 60’s State Representative of the Year – Anthony Treloar (Ascot Park Bowling Club)
Anthony has firmly established himself as a key player in this line-up. Always calm on the mat, he takes his time to deliver with precision and consistency. His performance was pivotal to the overall team victory, with his rink securing 5 out of 7 wins!
Para State Representative of the Year – Andrew Reed (Morphet Vale Memorial Bowling Club)
Andrew is a true leader of the team, having played for many years. He’s a fierce competitor who faces every game head-on with determination and heart. At the 2024 Nationals, Andrew took home the Gold Medal in the B5/6 Singles — a fantastic achievement!
Girls Under 18 Player of the Year – Daisy Coe (Gladstone Bowling Club)
Daisy is a standout star in the junior ranks, shining at the U18 Championships where she claimed Girls Singles Gold and Open Triples Bronze. Her fierce drive, fearless strategy, and positive team spirit make her a force to be reckoned with!
Boys Under 18 Player of the Year – Charlie Hicks (Adelaide Bowling Club)
Charlie has a stack of U18 titles to his name and continues to show dominance on the greens. A true competitor who thrives under pressure, Charlie made history this year by taking out the TRIPLE — winning Gold in the Singles, Pairs, and Triples!
MGA Women’s Country Carnival Player of the Year – Kate Blacksell (Nuriootpa Bowling Club)
After a few years away from the sport, Kate made a triumphant return, hitting the ground running and claiming both the Singles and Fours titles at the MGA Women’s Country Carnival! What a comeback!
MGA Men’s Country Carnival Player of the Year – Todd Brand (Gladstone Bowling Club)
Todd is no stranger to the top – he’s regularly at the pointy end of these events, and this season was no exception! He took home Gold in the Pairs and Fours, with the Fours win made extra special by playing alongside his brother Scott and father Geoff.
Women’s Champion of Champion Singles – Katrina Green (Kapunda Bowling Club)
Katrina has won her club singles for many years running, but this is her first championship title! She’s always cool, calm, and collected, never dropping her head even when behind on the scoreboard. On her incredible journey to victory, Katrina also shared the joy of winning her club title alongside her 11-year-old son — an experience every mother dreams of.
Men’s Champion of Champion Singles – Max Kleinig (Port Noarlunga Bowling Club)
Max has many accolades under his belt, but this is his first Champion of Champions title. With fierce drives, flying jacks that shocked spectators, and pure determination, he had one hand on the trophy from the start—getting off to a superb start and never letting the lead slip.
Bowls SA extends gratitude to its sponsors and partners for their continuous support of bowls in South Australia.
Additionally, a special thanks to Morphettville Racecourse for hosting the event, and to all who participated.
