Noal Mullins has contributed countless hours of practical work around Sturt.
But as this interview reveals, he believes the real strength of any club lies not in its buildings or facilities, but in people who support one another.
Much of that philosophy was shaped by his years of leadership and volunteer service in the Master Painters Association, where he served as President in South Australia and nationally.
Again and again, his answers return to the importance of supporting people, valuing volunteers and working together.
Perhaps his philosophy is best summed up in one observation: “for clubs to prosper, they need to support their volunteers and keep volunteering a positive and rewarding experience.”
When did you first become involved with Sturt Bowling Club, and what inspired you to become such an active volunteer?
My wife Janet and l tried Night Owls about 10 years ago and commenced bowling in pennants about 8 years ago.
We both felt welcome and comfortable at Sturt and have just helped out when there was a need.
Long before joining Sturt, you developed a strong record of volunteering, including serving as President of the Master Painters Association for South Australia and then nationally. How did those experiences shape your approach to volunteering and leadership?
As President of Master Painters Australia, I learnt to question decisions that would have a poor outcome in the future.
Clubs and associations cannot exist without active members. When you get involved, you learn new skills and the club also benefits.
Clubs and associations that run on volunteer labour, cannot be managed like a business where employees are managed from a higher level of management.
Volunteers will not continue with their task if they believe that there is an easier way or feel that they are not supported. Important decisions must be by a large majority, so that the club remains united.
You've volunteered in a remarkable range of roles around the club. Could you tell us a little about each of them?
Painting and maintenance
I have spent most of my life painting and repairing things, so it was easy for me to help at Sturt.
Painting the front fence on Trimmer Terrace with a high-pressure spray can be tricky without experience of controlling the overspray. I had good helpers in Mocha (Graeme Dunstan) and Puzzle (Neville Riddle) who tended to go home the same colour as the fence.
Repainting the toilets was a lot simpler.
Other small jobs like replacing the windsock and the windflags were easier after spending years repairing a great variety of things.
Coach of a women’s team
After completing the Bowls SA coaching course, I felt confident to coach the new women bowlers.
For people new to bowls, it is important to try to develop a good technique. The results of the women's teams prove the value of coaching.
Stranglers member
Deane Pye and the Stranglers do a great job. I like to help the team for a few hours, once a month, and the team keeps the grounds looking great.
Night Owls Blue Shirt
Volunteering to support Night Owls is always an enjoyable time and very important for Sturt.
However, the same volunteers can't go on forever. I think it is important for members to try different tasks.
Tournaments helper
I encourage any member to help during a tournament. There are a range of tasks and most are easy. You get the opportunity to see a wide range of bowlers from other clubs.
You've coached a Sturt women's team. What do you enjoy most about helping other bowlers develop?
I get a lot of pleasure seeing players improve.
When a person new to bowls is coached from the start, many players continue to a good standard, when they would have given up without the support from coaching.
It's great to see these people progress as players.
Having led organisations, what have you learnt about inspiring people to volunteer?
Volunteering can be very rewarding.
If volunteers are overloaded or overwhelmed, the organisation will suffer or even collapse.
For clubs or associations to prosper, they need to support their volunteers and keep volunteering a positive and rewarding experience.
What sort of club do you think Sturt would be without volunteers?
Sturt would close.
Looking back, is there one project or achievement at Sturt that gives you particular satisfaction?
Yes, supporting the creation and growth of the women's bowling teams, led by Peter Hughes and assisted by Joylene Koch and Janet Mullins.
Many others also helped the creation of the teams and the result shows Sturt at its best.
Where did your willingness to volunteer come from? Is it from your family, or has it simply always been part of who you are?
I've never thought much about it. Both my parents were active in the community. I think it's a matter of doing what you can for a good cause.
Your wife Janet also contributes a great deal to the club. Has volunteering together become an important part of your lives?
Bowling is an activity that we can enjoy together.
We have had many happy times at Sturt and have always wanted to support Sturt.
After everything you've contributed to Sturt, what keeps bringing you back?
I enjoy the game of bowls and have made many friends.
People from the construction industry like you often talk about leaving something better than they found it. Do you feel the same way about Sturt?
We should be conscious of what we leave behind.
If we respect each other and work together, the future for Sturt will be great.