National RSL Lawn Bowls Carnival
The National RSL Lawn Bowls Carnival began in 1961 as an interstate contest between New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC). Over the years, other states have joined. Now, this friendly lawn bowls competition is more than just a game; it is a much-anticipated annual tradition that brings the RSL community together, fosters camaraderie, and promotes a healthy and active lifestyle.
The National organisation consists of the following state RSL associations:
• NSW RSL Lawn Bowls Association
• Queensland RSL Bowls Association Inc.
• RSL Bowls Tasmanian Association Inc
57th RSL National Bowls Carnival, Victoria 2026
The 57th RSL National Bowls Carnival will be held in Melbourne, Victoria in 2026.
Mick Bowman is the current National President for the 57th National RSL Lawn Bowls Carnival and is also serving as the State President of RSL Bowls Victoria. Dr. Ann Leonard, the State Secretary for RSL Bowls Victoria, will also be significantly involved in organising the event.
Following the 2026 carnival in Melbourne, the subsequent host states will be New South Wales in 2027 (Sydney) and Western Australia in 2028 (Perth).
Membership Requirements
The National RSL Lawn Bowls Council aims to engage with League members who bowl and are keen to join the bowling fraternity.
All participating players must be members of the RSL League (any sub-branch within Australia) and registered bowlers within the state they represent. Both male and female members are encouraged to join their respective State RSL Bowls organisations and seek selection for their State Team in the annual interstate competition.
Trophies and Competitions
The carnival features competition for three primary trophies, along with other significant awards:
The Jack Hamilton VC Trophy
The Jack Hamilton VC Trophy was inaugurated in 1961, following an invitation extended to other states by Mr. Leon Yates, a Life Member of the RSL Bowling Association. The trophy was donated by the Miranda RSL in New South Wales and named after Private John (Patrick) Hamilton VC, a distinguished Australian and member of that Sub-Branch. Private Hamilton earned his Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery during a heavy bomb attack at Lone Pine on August 9, 1915, during the Gallipoli Peninsula campaign. He later served in World War II, achieving the rank of Captain.
The interstate Test Series for this trophy is played on a Round Robin system, with each state competing against every other state. A side consists of five teams of four, with two reserves.
The Dr. Sydney Krantz Memorial Trophy
This trophy was presented by the late Mr. Gordon Bennett, a former Prisoner of War (POW) and a supporter of the RSL Lawn Bowls Association of South Australia. It honours the late Dr. Sydney Krantz, a Major in 4 CCS, who provided exceptional service as a POW of the Japanese and was a revered friend to all service personnel during and after the war. The Dr Sydney Krantz Memorial Trophy is contested by Executive Fours from each state's governing body and is played in conjunction with the Jack Hamilton VC Trophy Series. This series also operates on a Round Robin system.
The Sir Arthur Lee National Fours Championship
The Sir Arthur Lee, National Fours Championship is an individual team event where players from each state self-select their teams. Sir Arthur J. Lee had a distinguished military career, enlisting in 1940 and serving with distinction in the Syrian and New Guinea Campaigns, earning a Military Cross and a Bar to his Military Cross. Post-military, he was deeply involved with the RSL, serving as Vice President and President of the South Australia State Branch, and as Deputy National President before becoming National President of the Returned & Services League of Australia from 1960 to 1974. He was awarded the CBE in 1959 and the KBE in 1966, and Life Membership of the League in 1963.
Other Trophies
Ray Sly Trophy: Tasmania and South Australia compete for the Ray Sly Memorial Trophy.
Friendship Trophy: Donated by the inaugural team members of Victoria and New South Wales, this trophy is played between these two states, promoting friendship and sportsmanship.
2025 Carnival Results
The 2025 National RSL Lawn Bowls Carnival, held in Tweed Heads, Queensland, saw the following outcomes:
Jack Hamilton VC Trophy: Won outright by the Queensland team.
Dr Sydney Krantz Memorial Trophy: Won by the Queensland team on a count-back against New South Wales.
Sir Arthur J Lee National Fours Event: Won by a Queensland team, with another Queensland team as the runner-up.
Queensland team, winners of the Jack Hamilton VC Trophy in 2025
A Queensland team, winners of the Sir Arthur Lee National Fours Championship in 2025.
