Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland was honoured to help launch the 2025/26 Lawn Bowls season at the Violet Town Bowls Club’s open day last week.

“A big thank you to Laurell Heckenberg, the club’s new president, for the warm invitation, and to Ian Hamill for making sure I at least got near the jack,” Ms Cleeland said.

The day was about more than bowls alone, with members pausing for a respectful minute’s silence to honour the passing of Graham Jones, partner of past president Leanne Russell-Jones.

“This was a touching reminder that these clubs are so much more than just the sport being played,” Ms Cleeland said.

“The entire day was a beautiful demonstration of the community spirit that keeps our clubs so strong, and proves why these organisations are so meaningful to our towns.”

“Our bowls clubs, along with so many other sporting groups, provide a strong sense of community, belonging, and an active lifestyle.

“They’re places of camaraderie, laughter and celebration, and they’re the heart of our local towns.”

A strong supporter of bowls across the region, Ms Cleeland hosts the annual Euroa Electorate Bowls Tournament on the Parliament of Victoria greens in Melbourne, bringing together a dozen clubs from across the electorate.

“As all of our region’s clubs prepare for a new season, I wish them every success both on and off the green,” Ms Cleeland said.