Bowls SA Celebrates Outstanding Achievements at 2026 Awards Night
The 2026 Bowls SA Awards Night was held at Morphettville Racecourse on Friday, May 29, bringing together more than 300 bowlers, sponsors, and special guests to recognise excellence across South Australian lawn bowls.
The evening highlighted the achievements of clubs, volunteers, officials, coaches, and elite players who have all contributed to a standout year for the sport.
Life Membership
A deeply significant moment of the night was the awarding of Life Membership to Janice “Jackie” Kelly OAM. Presented in tribute and remembrance, the honour recognised her outstanding service and enduring impact on bowls in South Australia.
Jackie Kelly was acknowledged for her five years on the Bowls SA Board, including three years as President, during which she led major structural reform, strengthened governance, and helped introduce unified “open bowls” competition. She was also instrumental in establishing the Metropolitan Bowls Association and was a strong advocate for volunteers and grassroots participation. Her legacy was described as one defined by leadership, warmth, and inclusion.
Club Awards
The Large Club of the Year was awarded to Millswood Bowling Club, acknowledging a year of strong growth, community engagement, and on-green success. The club was also recognised for its strong volunteer base, Night Owls participation, and securing a $1.9 million redevelopment project.
The Small Club of the Year went to Caltowie Bowling Club, celebrated for its volunteer-driven culture, inclusive environment, and role as a vital regional hub.
The Night Owls Club of the Year was awarded to Kensington-Marryatville Bowling Club, recognised for its thriving social competition program, strong participation, and welcoming community atmosphere built around inclusion and growth.
The Community Spirit Recognition Award was awarded to Clare Bowling Club, recognised for its leadership in delivering the “Blazing Bowls” tournament in partnership with regional clubs. The initiative brought together 96 players and raised $5,600 for BlazeAid, demonstrating the powerful role bowls plays in regional community connection.
Individual Awards
The Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Kelven Carter, recognising his outstanding service to Barmera Bowling Club. Kelven plays a vital hands-on role across bar operations, maintenance, and club administration.
Administrator of the Year was awarded to Jeff Allen (Marion), acknowledged for his long-standing service as Club Secretary and his vital role in governance, sponsorship liaison, and event delivery.
The Official of the Year went to Kym Shepherd (Port Neill), who has made a significant contribution to officiating across the state and played a key role in training, accreditation, and assessor development programs.
Coach of the Year was awarded jointly to Neville Jenke (Berri) and Gerrin Jenke (Berri), recognising their extensive work across schools, community programs, Night Owls, and junior development initiatives that have introduced more than 1,000 students to the sport.
Volunteer Greenkeeper of the Year was awarded to Justin Cleggett (Langhorne Creek), recognised for nearly 30 years of dedicated service maintaining the club’s playing surface under challenging conditions with limited infrastructure.
Media Recognition Award recipient Tim Wrightson (Lower South East Bowling Association) was acknowledged for his outstanding digital coverage of bowls across the region through video production, commentary, and social media engagement that has significantly expanded the sport’s visibility.
Playing Awards
The Men’s State Event Player of the Year was awarded to Jonathan Voigt (Adelaide), securing back to back Paladin State Singles Titles and also reaching the final eight of the State Pairs.
The Women’s State Event Player of the Year was awarded to Daisy Coe (Gladstone), who delivered a standout Finals Week performance, winning the Pairs title, finishing runner-up in the Singles, and reaching the final eight in the Triples.
Men’s State Representative of the Year went to Will McPharlin (Wallaroo), recognised for his consistency and accuracy as a lead, helping his rink secure five wins during the national series.
Women’s State Representative of the Year was awarded to Kate Argent-Bowden (Angaston) a back to back recipient, who continues to be a key member of the South Australian squad, having represented the state since the age of 14.
In the Over 60s categories, the Women’s award went to Sue Coultas (Hawthorn), and the Men’s award to Garry Smith (Laura), both recognised for their leadership and consistency at national level.
The Para State Representative of the Year was awarded to Susan Kruger (Monash), following a strong debut season highlighted by a bronze medal performance at the Nationals.
The Under 18 Girls Player of the Year was awarded to Anda Panchawat (Adelaide), while the Under 18 Boys Player of the Year went to Charlie Hicks (Adelaide), both recognised for outstanding junior careers and national success.
The MGA Women’s Country Carnival Player of the Year was awarded to Cathryn Greenslade (Riverton), while the Men’s award went to Gerrin Jenke (Berri), both delivering consistent top-level performances across multiple disciplines.
The Champion of Champions Singles titles were awarded to Cathryn Greenslade in the women’s and Gary Thompson (Modbury) in the men’s, both achieving significant career milestones in highly competitive finals.
Bowls SA acknowledged all nominees, winners, volunteers, and supporters for their contribution to the sport over the past season, and extended thanks to all sponsors and to Morphettville Racecourse for hosting the 2026 Awards Night.
The event once again highlighted the strength, depth, and community spirit that continues to define lawn bowls across South Australia.
