Australia Day Award 2023

2023 Australia Day recipient – Kevin Clifton

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM):

• We congratulate one of South Tamworth Bowling Clubs Life Members, Kevin James Clifton, announced today as a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia, General Division, in the Australia Day Honours List, for services to the Tamworth Community.
• Kevin, aged 91, has contributed lifelong services to his community and it is fitting he is honoured on Australia Day.
• Kevin has enjoyed a long association with lawn bowls. Taking up the game in 1966, he continues to play today.
• He has been a member of the South Tamworth Bowling Club since 1988 and has served as President and is a Life Member.
• He is also a Life Member of the previous Central Northern District Bowling Association.
• He is currently the Chairman of the Coaching Committee, plus he is a Patron of the Zone 3 Bowling Association.
• He still holds an active coaching accreditation providing instruction to new and experienced bowlers at the South Tamworth Club which he has held for 30 years.
• Kevin received the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for achievement in bowls.
• He has been a long-term volunteer providing Lawn Bowls activities for groups with disabilities including Challenge, Kirinari, and Sunnyfield.
• Commencing in 2003, Kevin runs his weekly access bowls group every Tuesday at South Tamworth Bowling Club, providing memorable activities to his clients, culminating in the annual presentation day and trophy presentations.
• He was a Tamworth Regional Council Access Award recipient in 2014 for his activities.
• Kevin retired as Principal of Tamworth South Public School after 40 years of teaching.
• Kevin has also been a Justice of the Peace for 44 years.
• He is also a former member of the Rotary Club of Tamworth West which he served for 7 years.