Deaf Lawn Bowls has a rich and inspiring history in Australia, built over decades by passionate bowlers, volunteers, and supporters who believed in creating equal opportunities in sport for Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes.
Early Beginnings (1950s–1970s)
In the 1950s, only small groups of Deaf bowlers existed in each state. Everything began to evolve through the Australian Deaf Games, where informal matches brought players together from NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia.
By the late 1960s, unofficial interstate Singles, Pairs, and Fours events were held during national Deaf carnivals. These gatherings sparked new friendships and laid the groundwork for a national organisation.
In 1971, the first formal meeting was held, and the Australian Deaf Bowling Association was officially created.
Fred Sandon became the first President
Robert Conacher became Secretary/Treasurer
That same year, the first official Interstate & Individual Championships were held in Perth. From then on, championship events were played every three years, rotating around the states.
International Expansion (1993–2023)
In 1993, Australia hosted the first-ever International Deaf Bowling Championships in Melbourne, celebrating the organisation’s 25th anniversary. Teams from Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, and South Africa competed in a full round-robin format.
This event launched a long-running international series:
1995 - Glasgow, Scotland
1999 - Durban, South Africa
2003 - Christchurch, New Zealand
2007 - Llandrindod Wells, Wales
2011 - Perth, Australia
2015 - Belfast, Northern Ireland
2019 - Christchurch, New Zealand
2023 - Edinburgh, Scotland
Growth & Development (1970s–1990s)
As Deaf bowls participation grew, new structures and traditions formed:
Championship shields were introduced for Singles, Pairs, Triples, and later Mixed Fours.
Player numbers increased dramatically across every championship.
In 1981, new rules ensured fair and equal team representation between states.
In 1982–83, the Association celebrated its 15th anniversary during the Australian Deaf Games in Melbourne.
A major milestone arrived in 1992 when the organisation officially changed its name to the Australian Deaf Lawn Bowls Association, following guidance from the Australian Deaf Sports Federation and CISS.
Unification & Modern Era (2001–Today)
In 2001, another key milestone occurred when the Australian Deaf Lawn Bowls Association and the Australian Deaf Women’s Lawn Bowls Association merged to form Deaf Lawn Bowls Australia — bringing all bowlers under one united organisation for the first time.
Today, Deaf Bowls Australia continues to:
Develop pathways for new and experienced players
Support competition at state, national, and international levels
Strengthen community connections
Celebrate a shared love of the sport
What began as small gatherings in the 1950s has grown into a strong national organisation with a proud legacy.
