Dalrymple highlighted the increase in participation to a record level of 693,563 across Australia, but remarked on the stagnation of formal membership, which he claimed "reinforces the reality of the changing participation preferences in today’s society".

He then went on to discuss other achievements in 2019.

"There have been many highlights in 2019 and our success in securing extra funding for Better Ageing, Jack Attack and for a Governance review totalling AUD$1.525 million (£810,000/$1million/€950,000) was a significant result alongside the work achieved by our regional bowls managers in assisting clubs to secure an excellent slice of the infrastructure funding that was offered federally this year," he said. 

"Our 15 regional bowls managers continue to offer great services to the bowling clubs across Australia as they seek to assist in growing the participation and sustainability of bowls in Australia.

"Once again, we staged highly successful editions of the Australian Open and the Bowls Premier League.

"Rinkside Live - our live streaming service - was again a hit in 2019 and has become a shining light in profiling our national events and players. 

"Our media team covered 14 national and international events - three more than in 2018 - with entertaining commentary, camera work and innovation which has generated a considerable audience and following.

"During the year an agreement was finalised with the Queensland Government and City of Gold Coast for the Australian Open to be held on the Gold Coast for a further five years, from 2020-2024."

The year also saw BA sign a new five-year broadcast and commercial agreement with CrocMedia, an Australian-American radio and television distribution company. 

Through the partnership, BA engaged sports marketing agency Ballpark to create a strategy and campaign to help attract more participants to the sport. 

"The campaign was being launched in late 2019 and features advertising on television, radio, cinema and on digital platforms throughout 2020," Dalrymple said.

"I am very excited with the collateral and tagline produced - 'Local Legends Wanted' and I am optimistic that this advertising will have a major impact on attracting more people to clubs and to play bowls."

The Gold Coast is set to host the 2020 World Bowls Championships next year, with the Asia Pacific Championships taking place in the same area as a preparatory event. 

Dalrymple thanked those involved in organising the competition before looking forward to the upcoming year.

"Undoubtedly, 2020 will be a huge year for the sport, with our new national marketing campaign to be rolled out across television, radio, cinema and digital platforms, a new Bowls Premier League event at Moama, a World Bowls Championship on the Gold Coast, the start of another five year period for the Australian Open on the Gold Coast and the launch of the new Nationals event in October," he said.

"I extend my sincere and personal thanks to all BA staff and contractors for their loyalty and great contribution to the sport of bowls in Australia, the BA Board Directors for their wisdom and advice, the state and territory authority Boards and staff for their support and cooperation over the course of 2019.

"I thank our commercial and licensing partners for their continuing support and investment in bowls across Australia.

"To our National Committee members and all administrators and volunteers across the sport, I thank you for your invaluable contribution and commitment to the sport."