Some volunteers lend a hand from time to time.
Others quietly become part of the fabric of a club.
Since joining Sturt Bowling Club in 2016, Deane Pye has become one of those people.
Whether it's organising tournaments, maintaining the clubhouse, sourcing uniforms, running the bar, leading the Stranglers, serving on the Board or fixing whatever has broken this week, Deane has quietly become one of the club's custodians.
His contribution was recognised beyond Sturt in 2024 when Bowls SA shortlisted him for Volunteer of the Year.
Yet even that only tells part of the story. Deane was an active volunteer in lawn bowls before arriving at Sturt and, before that, enjoyed a distinguished career in the Australian Army.
Anyone who knows Deane also knows another side of him. After hours of hard work around the club, he's just as likely to greet the camera with another of his trademark clowning poses—a reminder that service and a sense of humour can go hand in hand.
How long have you been volunteering for at SBC?
Since approximately 2016.
What volunteering did you do at your previous club?
At Toorak Burnside Bowling Club I was the Greens Manager for a couple of years, served on the Board for the same and assisted with club and ground maintenance for two years.
You've volunteered in an extraordinary number of areas around the club. Could you tell us a little about each of them?
Stranglers
I instigated the Stranglers during Peter Welsh’s presidency to help improve and keep our grounds in good order.
As a group of up to eight members we meet on the first Monday of the month and carry out tasks such as: lawns, edges, gardens, hedges, installation of benches and assisting with any larger projects Puzzle (Neville Riddle) may need a hand with.
A special “Stranglers” polo is provided to each participant.
Uniforms
I took over from Bruce Williams during the uniform change-over about 4 years ago.
I was responsible for sourcing the new kit after the design was accepted by the club.
Since then, through a different supplier, I have sourced and provided club members with club paraphernalia for training and casual club wear. Most have proved very popular.
Tournaments
I have run the past five club Adelaide Cup Three Bowls Triples tournaments.
Other than the years 2024 and 2025 - with heat related problems - we have had very successful events which have received many plaudits from competitors outside the club and assisted to fill club coffers.
We have always had great club volunteers to run the event.
Bar Service
I am a qualified for responsible bar service and assist often after events when there is a need.
I ran the bar for two years of Thursday night Owls and the Friday night bar and “Draw” for several years straight.
BBQ
I assist at the BBQ whenever asked. I was responsible for having a cover made up for the BBQ.
Footy tipping competition
I have managed this for about five years.
Anzac Day this year
The club conducted an Anzac Day service this year prior Saturday winter bowls. As part of that I assisted Teesa (Paul Teesdale) put it together and spoke as part of the service on the legend of ANZAC.
Board member
I have served on the Board under Presidents Bruce Williams, Peter Welsh and Jim Trennery and am serving again this year under Rod Ettridge.
Night Owls
As mentioned earlier, I previously worked the bar on Thursday nights.
Clubhouse Manager
For the past probably three years I have been responsible for maintenance and upkeep of our clubrooms, from water leaks, toilet malfunction, painting toilets, sorting both types of air conditioning, electrical faults and many other hiccups along the way.
Security Officer
I ensure the visual security cameras are working, smoke alarms updated, physical door locks are repaired and replaced.
I liaise with security services and police when protection has been breached, that is break ins. I use the security cameras to identify after hours problems/incidents.
Why is volunteering important for SBC?
Without volunteers there is a good chance the club would wither on the vine. Like any “not for profit” organisation it’s impossible without volunteers.
Of all the roles you've undertaken at Sturt, which has given you the greatest satisfaction, and why?
Three things stand out volunteering at SBC - painting the indoors of the clubrooms with Alistair Behenna, working with Stranglers to help lift our image off the green and running the first tournament - due to its great success.
What personal satisfaction do you obtain from volunteering?
It gives me great pleasure to see the club looking good both on and off the greens and it is a delight to know how much our members appreciate the effort that goes in on their behalf.
Where did your willingness to volunteer come from? Was it something you learnt in the Army, from your family, or has it simply always been part of who you are?
I have always been a mug for volunteering. But it is in the family.
You have enormous energy for volunteering. How do you sustain your enthusiasm?
I love the place, the people and the game.