The Glen Innes Bowling Club’s much-loved Rose Carnival celebrated its 68th year in fine style, drawing bowlers from across the state — and beyond — for a weekend of top-quality play, camaraderie, and community spirit.
With a total prize pool of $6,000, the three-day event was a major drawcard for bowlers from 21 clubs including Mooloolaba, Coolum Beach, Blakehurst, Redcliffe, Millmerran, Warwick, Tenterfield, Raymond Terrace, Forster, Stanthorpe, Maclean, Coffs Harbour, Urunga, Woolgoolga, Inverell, Guyra, and Bingara.
The carnival kicked off on Friday with a lively Warm-Up Pairs event, featuring 28 bowlers, before the main Triples competition on Saturday and Sunday with 42 competitors taking to the greens. Despite a brief burst of rain and hail on Saturday morning, play continued with minimal disruption, thanks to the resilience of the bowlers and the excellent condition of the greens.
Special credit goes to greenkeeper Paul Jopson, whose hard work ensured the playing surface was in perfect form — a major factor in attracting such strong participation. Paul’s efforts on the green extend well beyond Glen Innes, as he will soon represent New South Wales at the 2025 Australian Senior Sides Championship in Tasmania. Congratulations, Paul!
Event organiser Jo Doherty and her dedicated committee were praised for the smooth running of the weekend, and thanks were also extended to generous sponsors — XXXX, Woolworths Glen Innes, Norco, Cluck It, and Horder Family Funerals.
Winners came from clubs across Millmerran, Raymond Terrace, the Sunshine Coast, Maclean, Inverell, and Glen Innes, with seven local teams featuring in the prize money — an impressive feat given the calibre of the competition.
With such success, it’s no surprise that entries are already filling fast for next year’s event. The Rose Carnival continues to stand as one of the most anticipated fixtures in the regional bowling calendar — a proud Glen Innes tradition that just keeps flourishing.
