Kyabram BC’s vision taking shape
New Kyabram Bowls Club development officer Georgia Odgers may not have a bowls background, but she shares the vision of where the club must focus to achieve its aims.
“We want to try and boost social bowlers, work with schools, other sporting clubs and also attract people in the 40 to 50 age group who are looking for something recreational to do,” says Georgia, who has been appointed to the new position at the progressive Goulburn Valley club.
At 22, Ms Odgers doesn’t exactly fit the bill of a traditional bowls member, but vice president Rob Sceney said she fitted the job description perfectly.
‘‘Georgia has a Bachelor of Business Degree with a major in event management and marketing,’’ he said.
‘‘She is also working on a Diploma in Wedding Planning, Designing and Style.
“Georgia worked on the organisation of the Tatura Dairy Week, one of the biggest events in the Goulburn Valley. It shows us that she can organise, bring ideas to us that we would never have thought of and deal and work with people. That’s exactly what we want.’’
While Ms Odgers shares the surname of Victoria’s No.1 bowler Carla, they’re not related.
In fact, Georgia isn’t a bowler, but the club says that’s not an issue for the newly-created development officer’s role.
‘‘We’re actually pleased Georgia’s not a bowler. We see everything through rose-coloured glasses, such as what bowlers want, rather than what we need,”Rob says.
“This is something brand new to us. It’s brand new to most Bowls Clubs, full stop.
“Other Bowls Clubs are really interested in what we’re doing and where we’re going.
“We look forward to Georgia helping us grow and improve as a club, while taking the people of the Kyabram area along with us as we learn.’’
Ms Odgers’ appointment aims to raise the Kyabram Bowls Club’s profile in the community, increase participation and increase club membership.
She’ll be liaising with schools, endeavouring to increase junior membership and participation numbers.
The club members will be working with her as well to bring more seniors players on board.
Organising the running of a new Jack Attack night competition for teams from sporting clubs, businesses, community groups, families and groups of friends will be just part of her job.
Ms Odgers says she’s thrilled to be working for a club which is thinking outside the square, and Kyabram BC should be complimented for what it is trying to achieve.
‘‘I actually want to congratulate them on doing this, I’m looking forward to working with them and developing positive outcomes.’’
Rob said the decision to choose a younger development officer was a step in the right direction for the club.
“We’re an ageing club — our demographic needs to change, otherwise in 10 years the club will go backwards.
“We’ll have magnificent facilities but no one to use them. We’re looking to the future beyond when we’re playing bowls.’’
