REGION NEWS

NEW HALL of FAME INDUCTEES

For services to the Goulburn Murray Bowls Region and it’s Playing Area’s the following four members were inducted into the “HALL of FAME” at the recent Presentation afternoons.

MARJORIE MCDONALD

Marj McDonald (Cobram) served on the Murray Division Match Committee and Board for eight years, serving one term as Vice President and two years as President. She was the first lady President.

Marj represented the Murray Region for eight years as a delegate and Board member, as well as being on the working committee to form the current Goulburn Murray Bowls Region.

She began her bowling career in 1999 and over the years has won many club and state events, as well as playing as a representative in regional sides. As a testament to the numerous roles Marj assumed within the Cobram Bowling Club she was awarded a life membership.

JOEY LIA Snr.

Joey Lia Snr, (Shepparton Golf) has been a tireless worker for bowls for over 30 years after starting his bowls at the Shepparton Golf Bowls Club where he would run Trade Nights each Thursday for new bowlers.

Joe served the Shepparton Golf Bowls Club as a Delegates for 27 years, was president 1985/16 & 86/87, GVBA Division Vice President 1994/95 & 1995/96 and President GVBA 0996/97 to 1997/98.

Joe joined Shepparton RSL around 2008/09 and continued to assist new bowlers with his coaching and drills helping to enhance their skills.

As a bowler Joe had an impressive record;

  • 1 x Club Championship 1991/92
  • 5 x Runner-up Club Championship
  • 10 x Club Pairs Championship
  • 3 x 21 Up
  • 1 x 100 Up
  • Member of 1st Shepparton Golf division 1 premiership 2004/05

He was awarded life membership of the Shepparton Golf Bowls Club in 2001/02.

DIANE HANDS

Diane Hands (Shepparton Park) has competed and been successful promoting and playing at club, playing area and region levels with her bowls over many years,

Dianne has not only served her club in many facets but also served on the region and Goulburn Valley Division Match and Selection Committee’s over many years.

Her bowling record consists of:

  • 2 x State Women’s 60 & Over Pairs 2020/21 and 2022-23
  • 2 x 60 and Over Singles
  • 8 x Pairs
  • 5 x Triples
  • 3 x Fours

STEPHEN MCGREGOR

Stephen McGregor (Seymour VRI) began bowling in 1980 at the Seymour Bowling Club before transferring to the Seymour VRI Bowling Club in 2001.

Steve worked on most committees at these two clubs whilst also contributing his managerial skills in serving the Central Bowls Association, Central Goulburn Murray and Goulburn Murray Bowls Region as Secretary over many years.

His bowling prowess extended to;

  • 1 x Central Bowls Association Champion of Champion Singles
  • at Seymour BC
  • 2 x Club Singles Champion
  • 1 x Runner-up
  • 6 x Club Pairs Champion
  • 3 x Club Triples Champion
  • 1 x Jack Sloane 2 Bowl Singles
  • 2 x CBD Division 1 Premierships
  • 2 x Central Bowls Association Champion of Champion Pairs
  • at Seymour VRI BC
  • 1 x Runner-up Club Singles Champion
  • 2 x Club Pairs Champion
  • 1 x Jock Wright 2 Bowl Singles
  • 6 x CBD Division 1 Premiership
  • 1 x GVBD Division 5 Premiership

Steve was awarded Life membership of the Central Bowls Association in 2008 and of the Seymour VRI Bowling Club in 2019/20

Over a period of 46 years from 1980 to the present 2026 season Steve has served as a Secretary at Club, Association, Division and Region level for a staggering 52 plus terms.