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Combine lawn bowls with peer support and you have Bowls Gr8 for Brains, a fantastic not-for-profit initiative that has recently launched in Victoria in October. One of our valued member clubs, Chirnside Park Country Club, hosted the opening day amidst a sea of brightly coloured shirts.
Bowls Gr8 for Brains is a volunteer driven program that operates free regular lawn bowls sessions for Veterans, emergency services personnel and other people living with mental health challenges and disabilities. It provides a space for them to come together and take part in a community activity, get some exercise, and meet other like-minded community members and share their experiences.
Darryl Coventry greenside at Chirnside Park as the Victorian launch gets underway.
Darryl Coventry, co-founder of Bowls Gr8 for Brains, started the initiative in Albury, NSW. He describes their purpose as: “Our people are committed to finding proactive solutions to the ever-increasing rates of suicide and self-harm in Australia… Bowls is a sport that includes many elements that are proven to be pathways to better mental and physical health.”
Bowls Gr8 for Brains focuses on four key elements of improving mental health – physical exercise, re-integration into social environments, stimulating brain functions and engaging in programs that divert attentions away from previous trauma.
Leading lights ‘Happy Bowler’, Paul Cole, Ian Paterson, Darryl Coventry and Chris Venning
Special guests Neil Dalrymple (CEO Bowls Australia), Federal Member for Casey the Hon Aaron Violi, and the Victorian State Member for Evelyn, Bridget Vallence MP, were in attendance on the opening day at Chirnside.
Bowls Gr8 for Brains describes themselves as “more than just a social group” as they provide specific peer support and take a holistic approach to helping those in need. You can read more about the program here or visit their Facebook page here.
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In FY25, Victorian Keno players enjoyed almost 10 million wins worth more than $131.9 million.
For many club patrons across Victoria, FY25 was a year to remember – all thanks to a life-changing Keno win.
Victorian players had a standout year, tallying over 9.9 million Keno wins collectively worth than $131.9 million in prize money.
In FY25, Keno players across the eastern states of mainland Australia celebrated more than 76 million wins collectively worth more than $1.2 billion.
During this time, Keno crowned 20 millionaires and multi-millionaires who together took home more than $57.9 million. Two of these major jackpot winners were from Victoria.
Laverton woman thanks ‘manifestation magic’ for Keno win
A Laverton woman shared she was left thanking the universe after she scored a $60,000 Keno Classic 8 Spot prize at Club Laverton in the weeks leading up to last Christmas.
“It was a big surprise! Especially coming up to Christmas, it’s perfect!” she cheered.
“Do you want to hear something really funny? I just wrote in my diary the day before winning, ‘Thank you, universe, for my Keno 8 Spot win’. Then it really came true!
“I’m a firm believer in the law of attraction and manifestation, and I love affirmations!
“It was awesome seeing all eight numbers pop up on the screen.
“I’ve had a few wins in Keno over the years. It’s like the stars align for me when I play - it’s my thing!”
Club Laverton manager Gus Alimovski said the team happily shared in the excitement with their major Keno winner.
“What an incredible win for our patron! It’s always great hearing these winning stories, and now we have another one to share with our patrons,” he said.
“We’re thrilled for our customer, and we hope to see more Keno winners in our venue soon.”
All eyes on a winning FY26
Keno’s National Partner Manager Luke Harrison said he couldn’t wait to see which Victorian clubs welcomed the next big Keno winners.
“Last financial year, players at Victorian clubs celebrated some impressive victories,” he said.
“A key highlight has been the growing popularity of Keno’s Bonus and Replay features among club patrons. This trend reflects how venues are successfully connecting with their customers, sharing updates on jackpot increases, promotional offers, and game enhancements.
“When players opt into Keno Bonus, they unlock the chance to multiply their winnings by up to ten times, while the Replay option adds another layer of excitement.
“Many players are still unaware of these features, making it vital for staff to start conversations and educate them on the full range of Keno possibilities!”
Mr Harrison said the solid Keno performance at Victorian clubs last financial year laid a strong foundation for continued success in FY26.
“Clubs across Victoria are embracing fresh approaches to elevate the customer experience, and Keno’s rising popularity is playing a key role in that journey,” he said.
“There’s also a wide array of Keno resources available to clubs, from eye-catching point-of-sale materials to engaging promotions, all designed to keep the game front and centre.
“As the new financial year unfolds, Keno is looking forward to celebrating more big wins for Victorian club patrons, and more success stories for the clubs that host them.”
Contact your Business Development Manager to find out how Keno can best support your club in FY26.
Visit Keno Connect for more information on maximising Keno in your club - www.kenoconnect.com.au
