Victorian Multicultural Bowls Program

The Victorian Multicultural Bowls Program is a pilot program funded under the Victorian Government's Go For Your Life initiative. It is a six to eight week introduction to bowls program developed for migrants, refugees and mature age literacy and Youth Program English language students.

Working in conjunction with partners such as AMES (Adult Migrant Education Service) and SWS (SpiritWest Services - the education, training and community development division of the Western Bulldogs Football Club), the program teaches students the basics of Bowls in short, weekly theory and practical sessions. It has also helped develop the student’s language skills and expose the group to Australian sporting culture. The program incorporates utilizes local coaches/club members and specially designed teaching aids. 

For participating clubs, we strongly encourage club members assisting with the delivery of the program (and any interested club members) to undergo a short cultural awareness training session delivered by the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY).

Who

  • Students attending AMES campuses, who are recently arrived migrants from countries such as Sudan, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Italy, Burma, and Thailand. 
  • Local multicultural population.
  • The number of participants at each session can range from 15 – 40.
  • Ages usually range from 19 to 45.
  • Hosting club provides 3-8 coaches and 1-2 people who can deliver the theory component of the program using the resource provided.
  • For the selected pilot clubs (eg Footscray and Werribee RSL) Victorian Development Team provides active leadership of the program in early stages, stepping back as the club representatives gain confidence; targeted support to convert participants into members towards the end of the program; runs the Gala Day at the conclusion of the program.
  • CMY: delivery of cultural awareness training

 What

  • Working in conjunction with AMES and the host club we aim to promote the game of bowls to multicultural areas that traditionally know little about Lawn Bowls. Our plan is to expose participants to both practical and theoretical components of the game and provide opportunities for continued participation at the conclusion of the program.
  • We anticipate that bowls clubs, situated in strong CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) communities will see considerable benefits from their involvement in this program. Through the provision of resources such as lawn bowls, participant resource and RVBA/VLBA Development Team leadership, it is anticipated that ongoing participation and membership from participants will be achieved.

When

  • We suggest that the program be run on a weekday morning from 10:00am – 11:30am. The exact day and time will be agreed with the local AMES campus if applicable. 

Where

  • Any club that has a local AMES campus or Multicultural Youth Centre in close proximity to a bowls club.  
  • Any club in a community with a multicultural residents.

How

  • This is a two year program that has been made possible by the support of the State Government (Go For Your Life) and our continued partnership with the Adult Migrant Education Service (AMES) and the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY).
  • In the 2008/09 season, we are expanding the program from 2 to 4 clubs and in 09/10 we intend to expand the program to 8 clubs including at least 1 regional club.
  • In the future, it is intended to make the resources and program information available to all clubs.
     

What we ask pilot clubs to provide:

  • A green (i.e. at least 7 rinks) each week at the agreed times for the duration of the program;
  • A suitable area of the clubrooms available where the theory component can be conducted for 15-40 participants;
  • 3-8 Coaches/club members willing to assist participants on the green and 1-2 in the theory component;
  • Assistance with possibly running a Gala Day/BBQ or similar function at the conclusion of the program;
  • Access to jacks, mats and second hand sets of bowls (if required);
  • A willingness to accommodate participants as members and provide suitable participation options at the conclusion of the program;
  • Understanding and respect for the cultural backgrounds and needs of the participants.

What the Bowls Victoria Development Team provide to pilot clubs:

  • Development Team Consultation such as:
  • Targeted support to convert participants into members towards the end of the program;
  • Theory resource booklet for each participant and club coach/helper;
  • Lawn Bowls for use by the participants for the duration of the program;
  • Recognition of the club in any media releases, Bowls in Focus articles, website news stories or other promotions related to the program;
  • Cultural Awareness training for coaches and members through CMY, with added assistance available from AMES.
     

This is a tremendous program that is expanding to bowls clubs around Victoria in the coming years. We ultimately aim to encourage more multicultural people to learn the game, participate and become club members for many years to come.

If your club is interested in conducting a program to target multicultural people in your area or for more information on this program, contact Bowls Victoria on 9819 6177 or email development@bowlsvic.org.au