New Leaders at Tenpin Bowling Australia

The Board of bowling's national governing body, Tenpin Bowling Australia, has announced the appointment of Commonwealth Games triple-Gold medallist Cara Honeychurch as its new Chief Executive.
Coinciding with Caraâs appointment, the Board of Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA) has elected James âJamieâ Taafe as its Chairperson.
In assuming the pivotal administration role for the organisation, Caraâs appointment follows an exhaustive selection process coordinated by a professional recruitment agency involving more than 60 applicants, with the Australian Sports Commission also involved as part of the interview panel.
As a bowler, Cara was a key member of Australiaâs outstandingly successful team at the XVI Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998, personally winning three Gold medals in Singles, Doubles and the Mixed Doubles events, and has won 20 medals in FIQ competition internationally. She was twice named WBW Bowler of the Year and amassed numerous titles at national and international level, including AMF Bowling World Cup champion and PWBA Rookie of the Year when she joined the womenâs pro bowling circuit in the USA in 2000.
In May 2009, at the age of just 37, Cara Honeychurch was elected Chairperson of the TBA Board and her experience in this leading strategic role has provided further insight into the challenges of her new full-time administrative position.
As she explains, âIâm very aware of our sportâs strengths, and the issues it faces in order to elevate bowling to a pre-eminent ranking in competition with Australiaâs most popular sports.
âMy vision for the future includes universal TBA membership for all league bowlers throughout the country, a national Schools program and clearly defined pathways for the advancement of bowlers of all ages.
âStrengthening links with centre proprietors and our commercial partners to develop meaningful products and services for our members is crucial to achieving these goals.�?
Cara is supported by a small but dedicated team located in Brisbane and a talented Board, now led by Jamie Taafe, who has held TBAâs financial affairs portfolio since 2008. Also based in Melbourne, Jamie will continue to fulfil this role, along with his wide-ranging involvement at local and State levels of the sport.
As Jamie explains âI have been able to devote a significant amount of time in the past 45 years to sports including swimming and water polo, and now tenpin bowling.
âMy involvement with bowling started in the classic parental mode of supporting the sporting interests of my children Jason and Kirsten at AMF Sunshine Bowl.�?
A couple of years later, Jamieâs focus moved to Werribee Superbowl, currently host centre of the 40th Australian Junior National Championships. Here, Jamie contributed to the establishment of Werribeeâs Junior Development program in 2001, paving the way for success as Manager of the centreâs junior and adult Goldpin teams. He has been on the Board of VicTenpins and its Treasurer since 2006, and was elected President of the State Association in 2008.
Jamie is currently employed as Chief Financial Officer for Wesley College and brings a wealth of professional administrative skill to the TBA Board. At the same time, his experience with the introduction of Victoriaâs state-based Training squads and Manager of its Presidentâs Shield team for the past five years enables Jamie to contribute a broad range of knowledge as TBA Chairperson.
Observers are confident the combination of experience, passion and commitment to the sport of bowling shared by Cara Honeychurch and Jamie Taafe will provide renewed energy and vibrance to tenpin bowling in Australia.
As Cara concludes, âwe have taken substantial steps forward in establishing growth and sustainability through a modern membership system and the appointment of Chris Batson as National Coach has resulted in a more professional approach to our High Per