Dozens of lawn bowlers across Australia are fine-tuning their skills for the ADF Lawn Bowls National Championships, set to take place from October 19 to 24 at the Salisbury Bowls Club in Adelaide.

The Air Force bowlers, led by aviators such as Flight Sergeant Emma Campbell, are ready to showcase their precision and teamwork in this prestigious triservice event.

Flight Sergeant Campbell, secretary of the Air Force Bowls Association (AFBA), shared the team’s journey and aspirations.

“I stumbled into lawn bowls by chance in 2015,” Flight Sergeant Campbell said.

“After posting to Darwin, I mentioned to a colleague about watching bowls legend Steve Glasson on TV as a child. This then led to Corporal Karen Lane, a reservist and current Northern Territory state representative, inviting me to try it. After that, I was hooked.”

That spark led Flight Sergeant Campbell to her first Air Force Nationals in May 2016, and she has been an enthusiastic participant in the sport ever since.

Lawn bowls is a precision sport where players roll bowls to land as close as possible to a smaller target, called the kitty, on flat grass or a synthetic surface. It demands skill, strategy and focus, yet remains accessible to all.

“It’s technical and takes a lifetime to master, but anyone can play,” Flight Sergeant Campbell said.

“There are bowlers in wheelchairs, blind players with assistants and people of all ages ranging from eight to 90.”

'We welcome anyone – no experience or fitness level required, just passion.'

This year, the Air Force team competed in several events to build momentum. The Dubbo Diggers, an annual tournament for current and former Defence personnel, stood out for its focus on camaraderie and charity.

“Last year, our team of three top bowlers won it,” Flight Sergeant Campbell said.

“This year, we entered two teams. They didn’t take the title, but held their own against strong squads including players from Navy and Army.”

Two teams also participated in ‘A Day in the Gardens’, a local Adelaide competition organised by Kensington Marryatville Bowling Club, with Air Force bowler Flight Sergeant Pat Lee as its vice president, boosting their visibility.

The upcoming ADF National Carnival, to be held at the Salisbury Bowling Club near RAAF Base Edinburgh, is the team’s main focus.

“We’re expecting at least 60 players, with four teams of four per state,” Flight Sergeant Campbell said. 

The event kicks off with two-and-a-half days of state-versus-state matches, followed by a services competition pitting Air Force against Navy and Army. A second-tier Shaky Plate Trophy ensures everyone gets a chance to shine.

“We’re aiming to make the triservice finals,” she said.

Preparation is in full swing, with a team roll-up planned to strategise and bond.

“We’ve got a strong South Australian contingent this year and our Signal group is buzzing with chatter,” Flight Sergeant Campbell said.

'It’s technical and takes a lifetime to master, but anyone can play.'

The Air Force Nationals, held at the Windsor Bowls Club near RAAF Richmond in May, showed the team’s potential.

“We had new bowlers who’d never played before, and by the week’s end they were saying they couldn’t wait to come back for more,” Flight Sergeant Campbell said. 

For example, new player Leading Aircraftman Paul Chen was runner-up in both the Triples and Fours, earning him Rookie of the Series. Coaching from leading Australian players Ben Twist and Brianna Smith added valuable insights.

The AFBA team, under Corporal Greg Wetzler as president and Northern Territory state representative, is focused on growth.

“We’re moving the Air Force Nationals to just before the ADF carnival next year to make it easier for players to attend both,” Flight Sergeant Campbell said.

“We welcome anyone – no experience or fitness level required, just passion.”

For Flight Sergeant Campbell, a personal goal drives her forward.

“I’d love to earn a spot on the ADF side in my own right. I’ve been close and had development opportunities, but that’s my next aim,” she said.

With the ADF side competing in events such as the Anzac Test Series and the Australian Open, selection is a coveted honour.

Whether you are a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, Flight Sergeant Campbell invites you to grab a bowl and join the fun. Email airforcebowlsassociation@resources.defence.gov.au for further details.