Fifteen Sturt members attend the 5-day Autumn Kangaroo Island Bowls Carnival from Monday April 27th to Friday May 1st 2026.
The following fascinating report was prepared by Sonia Matteucci and Diane Fullerton.
Report from Sonia and Diane
What a week! We could not have asked for better weather and who knew there are three bowling clubs on Kangaroo Island.
A welcome ‘Meet & Greet’ started the Carnival on the Sunday night and Robert Barrett from the Kingscote Bowling Club welcomed players who had made the trip across from the various clubs on the mainland with the largest participation coming from the Sturt Bowling Club.
Day 1 - Monday 27/4
It was Ladies Fours and we had a great day playing at the Parndana Bowling Club.
The Sturt ladies were Wendy Rutten, Sonia Matteucci, Jodie Semmler, Maria Canala, Michelle Kirby, Lesley Dunstall, Diane Fullerton, Wendy Adams and Angela Murray.
We had a terrific time and our game was lifted by the experienced KI ladies who have been playing bowls much longer than our contingency. We learnt a lot.
We all had some tough ends as the synthetic greens were so fast but the perfect weather made it a magnificent day for bowls.
The winning four included Michelle Kirby who was matched up with three of the KI ladies. Well done Michelle.
Meanwhile, the Men's Fours were played at Kingscote Bowling Club with Brian Dunstall, John Fullerton, Bob Rutten and Dirk de Jong.
Great day, lots of fun but no wins for the men.
Day 2 - Tuesday 28/4
It was Combo Fours at the Kingscote Bowling Club with Rod and Shane Ettridge, Maria Canala, Sonia Matteucci, Wendy Adams, Angela Murray, Jodie Semmler and Dirk De Jong all participating and making plenty of noise which is nothing unusual for us Sturters!
There was plenty of banter with Auntie Maria playing lead, up against the local KI resident Herb who somehow adopted the name Uncle Herb!
They both played with a bowler’s arm and there was almost a sparring event between them as they kept getting wicks off each other’s bowls. It was entertaining to watch and Uncle Herb loved the attention.
Lesley & Brian Dunstall and Diane & John Fullerton were allocated to play at Birchmore Bowling Club, locally know as the ‘Club in the Scrub’ located on farm land surrounded by gum trees.
We were very spoilt with lots of home cooking and the best scones. The very fast greens were hard to adjust to, but the team had some very close games.
No overall Sturt winners but a great day of bowls.
The day was complete with a casual dinner held at the Kingscote Bowling Club which included jokes and banter from the Kingscote members.
Day 3 – Wednesday 29/4
It was Men’s Pairs Day and our club was represented by Rob Rutten, Rocket & Shane.
Our other blokes, namely Brian Dunstall, Dirk De Jong & John Fullerton chose to join the ladies on a Winery Bus Trip.
The bus trip, organised by Wendy Adams, included wine & gin tastings and a lovely lunch at the False Cape Winery.
Day 4 – Thursday 30/4
It was Ladies Pairs and Sturt had 3 teams: Maria Canala & Sonia Matteucci, Wendy Adams & Angela Murray, Wendy Rutten & Michelle Kirby.
Some great ends were played and fun had by all.
The rest of the Sturters enjoyed exploring the island during the day, especially the visit to Admirals Arch.
Debrief Dinner
All of the Sturters met up and had a wonderful dinner at Amadio’s Cino e Cucina Restaurant in Kingscote on the Thursday night and we spoke about encouraging more men to perhaps participate next year.
Day 5 - Friday 1/5
Today was any Combo Medley Fours competition. After a mix up with the venue, Diane & John Fullerton and Lesley & Brian Dunstall arrived at ‘the Club in the Scrub’ once again. This time prepared and played much more competitively.
Wendy & Bob Rutten and Jodie Semmler & Dirk de Jong and Michelle Kirby were allocated Parndana Bowling Club.
Friday night was a final evening at the Kingscote Bowling Club with a dinner, winners' presentations and raffle draw. Not complete without the usual jokes!
We all had to head off to watch on TV the 59th Showdown and what a cracker of a game!
KI Oysters
While in American River, Wendy & Rob Rutten & Maria Canala & Sonia Matteucci popped in for some KI Oysters.
What a picturesque setting overlooking the bay and pelican lagoon. Delicious pit stop if you’re ever there!
Summary
Fifteen members of Sturt Bowling Club joined forces with members from other SA Clubs for a five-day Kangaroo Island Carnival, with five full days of bowling and two days combining sightseeing and relaxed social time.
The visit built strong links with Kangaroo Island Bowling Club, delivered welcoming hospitality, and provided ample opportunities to meet new people, share stories and enjoy the island’s scenery and attractions.
The two carnival dinners were highlights, filled with laughter, jokes and warm conversations.
Bowling: Five dedicated days of competition and practice alongside Kangaroo Island bowlers. The on-and off-green camaraderie was lively and competitive, with plenty of friendly chats and tips exchanged.
Social and hospitality: The hosts from Kangaroo Island Bowling Club were exceptionally hospitable, ensuring everyone felt welcomed and included. Two carnival dinners provided a festive backdrop for swapping stories, sharing jokes and celebrating a week of bowling.
Networking and friendships: The trip offered many opportunities to meet new people from the KI bowling community and beyond, strengthening ties that we hope will lead to future exchanges and visits.
Tourism and sightseeing: In addition to bowling, the group visited local tourist locations, wineries and gin distillery taking in the island’s scenery, wildlife and unique attractions.
Acknowledgments: Special thanks to Kangaroo Island Bowling Clubs for hosting and organizing logistics, and to all KI members who contributed to a smooth, enjoyable week.