Governance

Governance at Heyfield Bowls Club

At Heyfield Bowls Club, good governance underpins everything we do, from delivering quality bowling experiences to maintaining a safe, inclusive and community-focused club environment.

Our Committee ensures the club operates transparently, meets regulatory, Bowls Victoria and Bowls Australia requirements, supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of the club.

We are committed to responsible decision-making, member representation, and clear communication across all areas of club operations.

Governance Structure

Heyfield Bowls Club is overseen by an elected Committee responsible for:

  • Strategic direction and long-term planning
  • Financial management and budgeting
  • Risk and compliance
  • Member engagement and communication
  • Upholding Bowls Victoria, Bowls Australia and Gippsland Bowls Region requirements
  • Supporting volunteers and operational activities
  • Ensuring a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment

Key Governance Documents

Clubs should maintain a clear suite of governance documents. Heyfield Bowls Club’s governance library includes:

Core Constitutional & Operational Documents

  • Club Constitution
  • By-Laws / Operating Procedures
  • Strategic Plan or Club Development Plan
  • Annual Report
  • AGM Minutes & Financial Statements

Policies Required or Recommended for Bowls Clubs

  • Code of Conduct
  • Member Protection Policy
  • Child Safety & Safeguarding Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Social Media & Communications Policy
  • Inclusion & Diversity Policy
  • Complaints & Grievance Procedure
  • Risk Management / WHS Policy
  • Alcohol Management Policy (especially if licensed)
  • Child Safe Standards
    • Working With Children Check (WWCC) requirements
  • We have adopted the Victorian Fair Play Code

Financial & Administrative Documents

  • Budget & Financial Management Procedures
  • Volunteer Policy & Role Descriptions
  • Club Facility Hire Policy

Competition & Participation Documents

  • Pennant Selection Policy – in development
  • Club Championships Conditions of Play – in review
    • 100 UP
    • Club Triples
    • Barefoot Bowls
    • Club Fours
    • Club Singles
    • Ladies Invitation Day
    • Maffra Challenge
    • Skins Tournament
    • Ladies Medley Day
    • Club Pairs
    • March Tournament

Community & Operational Documents

  • Emergency Management Plan – to be developed
  • First Aid & Incident Reporting Forms – under review
  • Maintenance & Greens Management Procedures – under review

Commitment to Transparency

Heyfield Bowls Club aims to make governance documents easy for members to access and understand. Policies and key documents will be reviewed regularly and updated to reflect current best practice, regulatory requirements, Bowls Victoria and Bowls Australia requirements.