In the afternoon at Government House, the Governor of Tasmania, the Honourable Barbara Baker, and Emeritus Professor Don Chalmers hosted an afternoon tea for Bowls Australia.

The Governor was pleased to welcome Bowls Australia to Government House to celebrate the anniversary of a nationally significant sporting event which took place right here in Tasmania.

In 1845, the first recorded game of lawn bowls in Australia was held on a bowling green behind the Beach Tavern at Sandy Bay, between players Mr Frederick Lipscombe and Mr T Burgess.

Today, 180 years later, the sport continues to thrive and members of Bowls Australia from around the country gathered for afternoon tea to celebrate the historic milestone.

The Governor commended Bowls Australia on its efforts to grow the sport, and looked forward to the Nationals which will be held in Tasmania for the first time later this year.

Guests at today’s afternoon tea also enjoyed a tour provided by Professor Chalmers, which included a special stop at the Government House Bowling Green.