STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms CLUTTERHAM (Sturt) (13:33): Last Saturday provided absolutely spectacular weather in Adelaide, perfect for the launch of the summer season of bowling at the Trinity Gardens Bowling Club. Hosted by club patriarch Ray Thompson, the afternoon was an opportunity to connect, celebrate the club's almost 90-year history and get some physical exercise in the beautiful sunshine.

I was privileged to participate in the first bowl of the season to kick things off. My attempt had too much juice on it, and it sailed off somewhere across the green. But it didn't matter, because, at the Trinity Gardens Bowling Club, it's actually just about participation and having a go.

Believe me; players want to win for their club during the pennant competition, but, on Saturday, talent—or lack of it, in my case—didn't matter. It was also excellent that two of the club's oldest players—Bob, who recently celebrated his 100th, and Mario, who is aged 102 and who Bob told me he has been trying in vain to catch—came out and had a bowl. Older than the club itself, Bob and Mario illustrate that you are never too old to participate in your community.

Lawn bowls, because of its gentle and accessible nature, is the perfect sport for Bob and Mario. The club has grown in recent years, and this year it will be fielding three teams in the pennant competition. I wish Ray, Bob, Mario, Margaret, John, Hank and Michael and all of the players a happy and successful season.