Vale: Arnold O’Brien OAM
Bowls Australia was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Hall of Fame member Christopher “Arnold” O’Brien OAM.
Arnold was a lifelong bowls administrator, inducted into the Bowls Australia Hall of Fame in 2017 for more than six decades of service and commitment to bowls both in Victoria and Australia.
While boasting achievements both on and off the green, O’Brien will be remembered for his tireless work and contribution to the sport in a non-playing capacity.
He was recognised with an Australian Sports Medal in 2000, presented with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to the sport in 2004 and was made a Bowls Victoria life member in 2006.
At an international level, O’Brien served on Bowls Australia’s selection committee in 2002, before taking the reins as Chairman for a term of three years from 2003.
He was also a marker and umpire at the sport’s premier event, in the 1980 World Bowls Championships.
From a state perspective, O’Brien had a distinguished tenure with the Royal Victorian Bowls Association (now Bowls Victoria), serving as a Councillor for 21 years in total, which included the roles of Vice President from 1994 to 1998, Deputy President from 1998 to 2000, and at the helm as President for a further three year period from 2000 to 2003.
A proud Victorian, having represented the Big V in over 200 occasions, O’Brien also served on the state’s selection committee for 26 years, 12 of which as Chairman, and the coaching committee for 21 years, 13 as Chairman.
In 2019, Arnold joined Jack Heverin on The Bowls Show to discuss his bowls life and achievements in the sport.
Bowls Australia’s board and staff express their condolences to Arnold’s family and friends.
