Our 2023 Apia Bowls Local Legend

Apia, in partnership with Bowls Australia, is thrilled to announce Debbie Brooking from Gymea Women’s Bowls Club in NSW, as the winner of the 2023 Apia Local Legends competition.

Debbie was selected from 162 nominations across the country, for her tireless work in helping to build Gymea Bowls Club into the thriving and prosperous club it is today. Debbie has been part of the Gymea Club for 15 years, performing a wide variety of roles across the club during this time including President, Board Member, Treasurer as well as being actively involved in coaching programs and umpiring.

She has played an instrumental role in increasing the membership base of the club by 142% over the past five years, with members increasing from 7000 to 10,000. During her tenure at the club, the Board has recorded $1m in profit, and Deb continues to be heavily invested in the future development of the club, driving funding initiatives to support refurbishment projects at the venue.

Her success at the club has attracted attention from other bowls clubs in the local area and across the State, with Debbie readily sharing her knowledge and learnings with these clubs and supporting them on their growth journey.

Gymea Club Bowling Director Kathy Baker believes the club’s success is largely due to Debbie’s contribution and commitment to the club’s development.

“Deb is so gracious and giving of her time and we have benefitted so much from having her as part of the club. She is a constant presence at the club, and always willing to help. She is very humble and is not one to boast or tell people what she has achieved, but I am here to tell everyone that this woman is absolutely amazing!” she said.

However for Deb, she gets as much back from the club as she puts in and says she is just a person that likes to get involved.

‘Volunteering makes me feel good and I hope to have many more years of actively contributing to the Gymea Women’s Bowls Club’ she said.

Deb has received a $5000 cash donation for her club and a $1000 Hensenlite voucher. Three runners up were also selected - Ken Smalls from Kallangur Qld, Alan James from Yarra Glen Victoria and Lilly Dodd from Melton Victoria – and were awarded a $500 Hensenlite voucher each.

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