Bowls GR8 for Brains is an Australian charity that uses lawn bowling programs to combat social isolation, support mental health, and prevent suicide among first responders and military families.
Representatives from Club Corowa, Murray River Police, Corowa VRA, and Club Corowa Bowls Club met with former Queensland Police officer Darryl Coventry and former NSW detective Paul Cole earlier this month to get planning under way.
Mr Coventry and Mr Cole are members of not-for-profit organisation Bowls Gr8 for Brains, with Mr Coventry a co-founder.
Corowa Police sergeant Steve Marshall said it’s been a while between drinks for the local constabulary, with their last bowls fundraiser held in 2024 to raise money for cancer patients.
“This one is close to my heart as funds raised will go to first responders and defence persons suffering from mental health, in particular post-traumatic stress disorder,” Sgt Marshall said.
“The day has been scheduled to coincide with the NSW Police Southern Region Emergency Management Committee meeting at Club Corowa the day before.
“With some of the southern NSW’s most senior officers in Corowa, I want to show my town off.”
Sgt Marshall said Corowa was so generous with donations for the 2023 and 2024 events that they wanted to bring the charity day back.
Organisers will approach local businesses and community groups over the coming months to ask for donations to go towards raffles and auctions to be held on the day.
Local VRA captain Ben Wilson and VRA Southern Region operations manager Tarryn Slot have also volunteered their assistance to Murray River Police.
“It’s great to have the VRA on board as it allows us to emphasise our volunteer organisations are also affected by the traumatic incidents they attend,” Sgt Marshall said.
“It was a very energetic and positive meeting.
“A common vision for the group was to have a sea of colour on the Club Corowa greens with first responders from both sides of the river in attendance and sharing camaraderie and support for one another.
“It will be a fantastic sight with NSW and VIC Ambo’s, NSW and VIC Police, NSW and VIC Fire and Rescue, NSW and VIC RFS and CFA, SES and VRA all on the green in their own colours.
“I’m sure some healthy competition and banter will make it even bigger spectacle.”
Further updates will be provided closer to the event scheduled for March 17, 2027.
Anyone wanting to donate to the raffles and auctions for the day can contact Sgt Marshall at Corowa Police.
