Hawthorn Triumphs as National Club of the Year
Hawthorn Bowling Club from South Australia emerged victorious as the National Club of the Year among more than 1700 eligible clubs nationwide. The club shared this prestigious title with Helensvale Bowling Club from Queensland during the Bowls Australia virtual 2024 Awards Night held on Tuesday, 26 November.
Bowls Australia was impressed by the past 12 months where Hawthorn has increased its accredited officials by 15%, expanded their portfolio of social events, supported charities and grown its membership base.
The club is a hub of its community and was justly rewarded with the Bowls SA Large Club of the Year Award in the 2023-2024 season. Bowls Australia congratulated everyone involved in the management and running of Hawthorn Bowling Club.
It’s a significant achievement for South Australia to see Queensland’s powerhouse Helensvale and Hawthorn recognised together, which should be inspiring to other clubs, as it opens up opportunities for mutual learning and support among clubs.
Club President Teresa Hanel said when accepting, how extremely proud she was to accept this award on behalf of the club. This is a significant moment for Hawthorn Bowling Club as they’ve had a remarkable journey, celebrating great success on the greens but the club’s accomplishments have extended beyond the green as they are a vibrant and inclusive community, which would not be possible without their incredible team.
Teresa also highlighted that Hawthorn Bowling Club’s dedication to excellence goes beyond sport. They’re committed to creating an inclusive environment fostering community engagement and supporting everyone in their lawn bowls journey. Together they continue to grow, thrive and represent the values of teamwork, passion and community spirit.
In Teresa’s speech she mentioned “The Hawthorn Bowling Club has developed a comprehensive strategic and business plan that reflects its mission to provide a premier club for the sport of lawn bowls while fostering friendships, personal growth and community wellbeing, aiming to ensure the vast majority of the club’s 450 members feel they are continuing to achieve in terms of bowling skills, fitness and personal growth, while also feeling a sense of belonging and inclusion within the club community”.
The club has undertaken several key projects this year to improve their infrastructure and has achieved success on the green with seven pennant premierships.
With all of this going on they demonstrated exceptional financial acumen, as well as achieving a 7.5% growth in their membership base.
Bowls SA CEO, Lou McDermott is thrilled for all the members at Hawthorn Bowling Club stating “We are absolutely thrilled to see Hawthorn Bowling Club recognised as the National Club of the Year alongside Helensvale Bowling Club. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Hawthorn Bowling Club membership, including club management, and volunteers. Their efforts have truly set a high benchmark for what a club can achieve through strong leadership, strategic planning, and a passion for fostering growth both on and off the green.”
Bowls SA congratulates Hawthorn on this well-deserved recognition, and we look forward to seeing them continue to lead the way, inspiring other clubs to reach for excellence.
