Pickering was presented with the award at Bowls Victoria’s 2018 Annual General Meeting in October. 

He has been involved with the club for about 22 years and said bowls was a great way to meet new people.

He said it was nice to be recognised for the work he put into the club.

“I put a lot of energy into starting the Corporate Cup two years ago,” he said. “This helped attract new members to the club and means the facilities are used a lot more. It’s given the club a new lease of life.”

He also worked on club policies and helped to design and build the club’s new deck. 

Pickering said the club was one of the only places left in Smeaton where community members could meet socially.

“It’s a really good community facility,” he said.

Pickering continues to play regularly with Smeaton Bowls Club.