Roly Nixon has achieved what no one else before him has, with three life memberships adorning his walls a home, and a lifetime of friendships to show for it.
Photo by
Ian Johnson
At 94, Roly Nixon may be the first known person in the Corowa region to receive three life memberships to three different clubs.
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Since turning 90, Roly has bowled in three grand finals, including this year, and won two of them.
Roly was the first Club Corowa Bowls Club member to be awarded life membership, adding to the two he already has from Daysdale Football Club and NSW Rural Fire Service Coreen Brigade.
He is no stranger to life memberships or community service awards.
His mother, Daisy, brother ‘Nugget’, sister, Norma Kuhne, and son Jeff have all received life memberships from various clubs, with nephew Kelvin Kuhne named 2026 Corowa Citizen of the Year.
Roly said it was great to be recognised after being a member of the Corowa RSL Bowls Club (now Club Corowa Bowls Club) for 40 years, and while he’s the oldest member at the club, he’s not oldest player in the league.
“There’s a bloke over in Yarrawonga who’s 96, but I’m definitely the oldest at Corowa,” Roly said.
“I’ve played pennant here every year for 40 years, and about 20 years ago I helped bring back the 60’s and over bowls on Tuesdays.
“But it’s the friendships I’ve enjoyed more than anything else.”
Roly Nixon with his son Jeff (back left), brother Sam (back right), both of whom he has played lawn bowls with over the years, and his sister Norma Kuhne.
Photo by
Ian Johnson
Roly’s brother Sam also played lawn bowls for the RSL but he said it wasn’t always smooth sailing.
“We got into trouble one time when we played a guy who wasn’t quite 60,” Sam said.
“He was about a week or two off at the time.
“Before then, Max Smith and Ron Brett used to manage the over 60’s, but they pulled out so Rolly and I took it on, otherwise it wouldn't have been going; that was about 20 years ago.
Roly was previously awarded life memberships by Daysdale Football Club and NSW Rural Fire Service Coreen Brigade.
He said while he only played 10 games for Daysdale, he was a member for many years, helping at the gate on game day, cooking on the barbeque, and was treasurer of their social committee.
Roly was captain during his time with the RFS Coreen Brigade, and in 1999 was awarded life membership for 50 years of service.
“I was captain for about 20 odd years, and vice president for the same amount of time,” Roly said.
“We used to protect the area and issue fines and permits as required.
“I don't have anything to do with that now, because my health isn't good enough, and my legs aren't good enough.”
Now a youthful 94 years old, Roly isn’t done yet and is looking forward to rolling up his sleeves for another year at Club Corowa Bowls Club.
Roly, along with his son Jeff (left) and sister Norma Kuhne (right), have five life memberships between them. Roly’s Nephew Kelvin Kuhne was this year’s Federation citizen of the year.
Photo by
Ian Johnson
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