Speeches

Monday, 09 January 2023

Opening of the 2023 Interstate Invitational Bowling Club Tournament


Rod and I are very pleased to be here with you all today for the opening of these championships.

I welcome especially our guests from interstate to South Australia and to Glenelg.

Glenelg is the oldest European settlement on mainland South Australia.

The first Governor of this State, Read Admiral Sir John Hindmarsh, proclaimed the province of South Australia at The Old Gum Tree in Glenelg North on 28 December 1836.

It has long been the tradition that, on that date, at that place, each year, the Governor of the day re-reads the Proclamation and thus, less than two weeks ago, I was privileged to do the same.

I might add that Glenelg has one of the best beaches in South Australia, and some wonderful restaurants, so I hope you enjoy your time here.

Friends, it’s great to see a return to annual competition for the Interstate Invitational Bowling Club Tournament, following a forced hiatus due to the pandemic.

I thank you for your participation in the tournament.

I congratulate the tournament on celebrating its 61st competition in 2023 after a COVID-related hiatus.

These championships combine a healthy sense of competition with a strong sense of collegiality – one that transcends political affiliations.

I trust that this year’s carnival provides another wonderful opportunity to enjoy each other’s company, both on and off the greens.

And I hope you will carry the friendships you form at this event into the future.

On a slightly concerning note, I am advised that South Australia has not won this competition since 2003.

Maybe this is the year we can take home the championship!

I thank the South Australian Parliamentary Bowling Club for leading the organisation of this year’s championships, as well as the Glenelg Bowling Club for hosting the event.

I look forward to seeing you all at Government House this evening, and I wish you all the very best for today’s competition.

I’m told the game of lawn bowls comes down to the three L words “Line, Length and Luck”: please wish me all of these as I deliver the first bowl!

Coming events