The Victorian State Women’s Side is one of the teams recognised at the 2023 Victoria State Awards.
The team was managed by Bundoora local, Jody Neville.
“It’s been 19 years since we’ve won, so we were absolutely delighted that we won,“ Ms Neville said.
“Hopefully, this will progress, bringing the women’s side to the forefront, encouraging more women to participate, noting that we have won team of the year.“
The team was named the AED Authority Team of the Year.
Team member Lisa Phillips said the award was due to a lot of hard work and preparation.
“We won that award because our state team won the Australian championship, and it was the first time that our Victorian team had done that in 19 years,“ Ms Phillips said.
“I don’t think we quite expected it, but it’s definitely an honour.“
Ms Phillips started playing bowls when she was 10 inspired by her parents who regularly played.
Ms Phillips said the team’s achievement will hopefully boost interest in bowls, especially among women.
“Having this recognition is really good for the sport, and for women in sport as well.”
Each year, the Victorian Sport Awards (VSAs) honour the athletes, coaches, administrators, and volunteers who made an exceptional contribution to sport in Victoria during the previous calendar year, as well as the initiatives that promoted sport and active recreation participation.
Presented by Victoria’s government and Vicsport on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, this year’s VSAs were held in the Victory Room at Marvel Stadium, where winners across 18 categories were announced.
