Meet Diane Fullerton, who brings a fascinating set of life experiences and work skills to the club, besides her ability as a fast-improving bowler.
From working at the Australian High Commission in London to co-owning a pub in Australia, from being a senior manager at the prestigious Carrick Hill to working out at the EFM gym near the club, Di has many stories to tell.
But she is also a keen learner - about bowls and life in general - and values the friendly, welcoming culture at the club.
I understand you held a senior position at Carrick Hill before retiring from the workforce. What was the role and what did you most enjoy about it?
I spent 12 years at Carrick Hill, and I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the experience.
I served as Business and Development Manager, where I brought my Commerce Degree to work across all facets of the site—gift shop, procurement, volunteers, the wedding business, acting Director duties, recruitment, exhibition programs and events, finance, and catering contracts and Board secretary.
I also led the Master Plan development and wrote the Business Case for the House redevelopment, Bistro, and Function Centre.
The role combined serious strategic goals with creative programming and fun times.
I worked with a wonderful team of 12 staff and about 100 volunteers who together achieved so much.
I met some amazing people during my time at Carrick Hill from Wynn, my 90-year-old Gift Shop Coordinator, to Barry Humphries.
Briefly, what was your career journey before that appointment?
My career began at the Bank of New South Wales.
In 1979, John and I took a working holiday to London, where I worked at the Australian High Commission.
After starting a family, I explored several paths—including yoga teaching, real estate sales, and completing a Commerce Degree.
We also owned a pub for a time, with our son as licensee.
Along the way I pursued a range of volunteering roles, and I am currently a member of the Carrick Hill Development Foundation Committee.
Did you play other sport or have fitness activities before taking up bowls three years ago?
I joined EFM on arriving in Adelaide and have been an intermittent participant since.
I’ve played netball and basketball, had a go at golf, and grew up practicing judo—the family includes several black belts.
How did you come to start bowling at Sturt Bowling Club? Peter Hughes said you didn't know anyone else when you first came along. Did you respond to a "Come and Try" invitation?
I started bowling with Sturt in the EFM Night Owls team. A few friends joined, so we formed another Night Owls team.
Bronwyn Perry advertised in the gym a “Come and Try” bowls session at the club, and I decided to give it a go.
I was initially hesitant about committing to Pennants on Thursdays, but I really enjoy the game and the camaraderie among our teams.
Peter Hughes said you were a quick learner and became a "very reliable, determined, committed bowler and valuable club member". It sounds like you transferred your work skills and attitudes to bowls. Is this how you see it?
Yes—the shift from Night Owls to Pennants is more serious, but it felt natural to bring a focused, committed mindset to the game.
I’ve found strong coaching and support from Peter Hughes, Janet Mullins, Noal Mullins, Joylene Koch and Alan Catterall, and that is helpful in keeping the improvement going.
You participate in pennants, Night Owls and Winter Bowls and are on the organising committee for Winter Bowls. What do you like most about these activities?
Bowls fascinates me—it's both intriguing and challenging as I work to improve my consistency. Ongoing learning keeps me engaged.
Winter Bowls and Night Owls are fun and provide opportunities to practice and experiment with different strategies in a supportive environment.
Teesa (Paul Teesdale) has been very patient as I work out the various steps to presenting the teams for Winter Bowls.
As someone who didn't know other members before joining the club, how have you found settling in and bowling at the club?
Settling in has been easy. From Night Owls to Pennants, the members have been incredibly friendly and supportive, always happy to share advice.
I feel fortunate to have found such a great club.
The recent Kangaroo Island trip was a huge success and you were one of the organisers, with Sonia Matteucci. How did you find the experience or jointly leading the trip?
Organising the Kangaroo Island trip with Sonia was fun and manageable thanks to support from Wendy Adams - wine tour - and Wendy Rutten - bus quiz.
We had a fantastic group of Sturters join us, which made planning and executing the trip much smoother.
Peter Hughes said you have travelled overseas in the last two years. Where did you visit?
We keep a travel bucket list and love ticking off destinations.
Two years ago we visited Spain and Portugal, and last year we explored Ireland and the Cotswolds.
A highlight last year was bowling at Chipping Campden Bowling Club; the club secretary was quite flabbergasted when I called to say we were visiting from Sturt and would like to arrange a roll-up. The Club members were very welcoming and have a great bar, of course.
Peter says you are a local - Hyde Park. Have you always lived around Unley?
John and I grew up in Port Augusta. Work opportunities took us to Whyalla, London, and Launceston, and we settled in Adelaide about 35 years ago.
We’ve made Hyde Park/Unley our home since then.
Are there other personal aspects you can share: e.g., family, hobbies, pastimes, music?
Family and friends are my main focus.
These connections mean we enjoy country race meetings, looking after our grand-children, travel to New York and also touring wine regions with friends.