Stepping up to new challenges
Bowls Victoria’s 2021/22 Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held this past Thursday seeing significant changes the look of the BV Board. Following a dedicated tenue of over 5 years of service, 2 of which as President, we say goodbye to Peter Inglis who has decided to take a step back from state bowls commitments, but won’t be too far away from his treasured greens of the Simpson Bowls Club, and the West Coast Bowls Region. We thank Peter for his tremendous contributions, especially through the unprecedented challenges that COVID brought, plus his assistance in forging BV’s ambitious 2022-25 Strategic Plan.
The Board saw 3 more departures in current longest serving member Lyn Baker, Ballarat Highlands’ Ian Guymer and Dandenong Club’s Rob Sharpe. We thank Lyn and Ian for their tireless efforts on the Disability/Officiating and Region Review Committees respectively, and Rob for his commercial expertise.
On the heels of the AGM Bowls Victoria is delighted to announce Pat Schram of Echuca Bowls Club being elected unopposed as Bowls Victoria’s new President, with Angus “Gus” MacIsaac now pulling double duty as BV’s Finance Director and Deputy President.
Following a stellar 37 year career in the education sector, Pat has also extensive administrative experience at Club, Region and State level. Pat is by nature a nurturer, an optimist and resilient, proven recently by the challenges her beloved home town has faced in recent weeks. Nothing seems to dent her positivity, can-do attitude or sense of humour.
On her appointment a humble Pat commented, “I am honoured to have been elected as President of BV for the next year. I would like to thank the Board who have shown confidence in Gus McIsaac and I to undertake our roles.”
Pat turned her thoughts to the future-proofing of our sport, “The implementation of our Strategic Plan is paramount. We’ve done the planning and now the hard work is underway. The Board will be monitoring and reviewing continuously on all projects undertaken. The alignment with the BA Strat Plan will see us all working towards similar goals.”
Bowls Unleashed: BV Strategic Plan 2022-25
Following almost 2 years as Finance Director, Deputy President Gus MacIsaac comes with a wealth of financial and business expertise, he too with 37 years experience, but in the Tax Accounting and Business Management sector.
Of his appointment Gus remarked, “It’s an honour obviously, and I’m delighted to fill the shoes that Pat has left as our former Deputy. We already have a fantastic working relationship.”
Joining his first bowls club at the age of 25, Gus has 500 plus Pennant games under his belt, plus four individual Club Singles Titles and a Club Life Membership. Asked on what he’s seen change since his time on the board, MacIsaac remarks, “It would have to be the livestreaming of Metro Premier Division on Friday evenings. I certainly have my schedule sorted each week. The crowds certainly get vocal and into the game which is infectious. I can’t wait to see it evolve.”
In line with Bowls Victoria’s amended constitution, the BV Board will now consist of 7 Directors, with further appointments to be announced soon.
Photo credit: Riverine Herald News
