Championing Inclusive Employment
At Aero Bowls, community impact is not a side initiative — it is embedded in the foundation of our business. Since opening our factory, owners Walter and Sharon have been deeply committed to creating meaningful opportunities, supporting inclusion, and strengthening the wellbeing of the communities in which we operate.
Championing Inclusive Employment
One of our proudest and longest-standing partnerships is with NOVA Employment, an organisation dedicated to assisting individuals with disability to find and maintain employment. From the very beginning, Walter and Sharon made a conscious decision that ability — not disability — would define opportunity at Aero Bowls.
When Walter required skilled team members to paint intricate designs on Aero lawn bowls, he did not focus on limitations. His philosophy was simple: if NOVA had candidates who could perform the role to the required standard, they would be welcomed as valued employees. This mindset has translated into real and lasting impact. Aero Bowls has proudly employed a team member through NOVA for more than 14 years — a testament to the sustainability of inclusive employment when businesses commit to genuine integration rather than token representation.
This long-term employment has provided not only job security but also independence, confidence, financial stability, and a strong sense of belonging for the individual involved. For our broader team, it has reinforced a culture of equality, respect, and shared purpose. Inclusion at Aero Bowls is not symbolic; it is practical, visible, and enduring.
Expanding Opportunities Through Employment Partnerships
In addition to NOVA Employment, Aero Bowls partners with APM Employment Services, a global health, employment, disability and workplace services provider supporting more than two million people annually across 11 countries. APM works with individuals facing disability, injury, health conditions, long-term unemployment, and social disadvantage — helping them find employment, improve wellbeing, and actively participate in their communities.
Through this partnership, Aero Bowls currently employs two additional staff members placed via APM Employment Services — one within our Administration Team and one within our factory operations. These roles are integral to our business. They are not separate or sheltered positions; they are embedded in our daily operations, contributing directly to productivity and company growth.
By working closely with employment service providers, we ensure structured onboarding, appropriate training, workplace adjustments where required, and ongoing support. This approach benefits both the employees and the business. Staff gain meaningful careers, and Aero Bowls benefits from loyal, capable team members who bring diverse perspectives and dedication to their roles.
Our employment model demonstrates that inclusive hiring is not a charitable gesture — it is smart, sustainable business practice. It builds stronger teams, enhances workplace culture, and generates measurable social impact.
Supporting Community and Sporting Organisations
As a proudly Australian manufacturer deeply connected to the lawn bowls community, Aero Bowls actively supports local bowling clubs and community organisations. We understand that grassroots sporting clubs are the heartbeat of many communities, providing social connection, mental wellbeing benefits, and opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate.
Aero Bowls regularly donates gift vouchers and products to bowling clubs to assist with fundraising initiatives. These contributions support operational costs, facility upgrades, junior development programs, and charity fundraising events. Our donations have contributed to initiatives including:
- National Deaf Bowls Championship
- Deaf Lawn Bowls QLD
- Cancer Council
- Breast Cancer Foundation
- Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
By supporting the National Deaf Bowls Championships and Deaf Lawn Bowls QLD, we help promote equal sporting opportunities and celebrate the achievements of athletes within the deaf community. Lawn bowls is a sport uniquely positioned to be inclusive, and we are proud to contribute to events that ensure accessibility and recognition for all competitors.
Our support of cancer-related charities reflects our commitment to causes that touch nearly every Australian family. Through donated vouchers and fundraising prizes, we help clubs raise essential funds for cancer research, patient support services, and awareness campaigns. These contributions may seem simple, but collectively they help generate significant financial and emotional support for individuals and families navigating serious illness.
Building Community Wellbeing Through Sport
Beyond financial contributions, Aero Bowls strengthens community wellbeing by promoting participation in lawn bowls itself. The sport provides physical activity, social interaction, intergenerational engagement, and mental health benefits. Many clubs serve as vital social hubs, particularly for retirees and regional communities where connection and belonging are essential.
By manufacturing high-quality Australian-made bowls and supporting clubs’ fundraising efforts, we contribute to the sustainability of these community spaces. Every donation and partnership helps keep clubs viable, inclusive, and welcoming.
Recognition for Inclusive Leadership
Our commitment to inclusive employment has been formally recognised through receiving the 2023 St George Local Business Award for Most Inclusive Employer. This honour reflects years of intentional action rather than short-term initiatives.
The award validates our belief that businesses have a responsibility to create opportunities for individuals who may otherwise face barriers to employment. It also reinforces our standing as a leader within our industry — demonstrating that manufacturing businesses can be both commercially successful and socially responsible.
A Long-Term, Sustainable Commitment
What distinguishes Aero Bowls’ community impact is longevity and authenticity. Our employee placed through NOVA Employment has been part of our team for over 14 years. Our partnerships with employment services are ongoing. Our donations to clubs and charities are regular and embedded in our annual operations. These are not isolated acts; they are part of who we are.
Walter and Sharon’s leadership sets the tone. Their approach has always been grounded in fairness, respect, and practical support. They do not view community engagement as an obligation but as an opportunity — an opportunity to strengthen the fabric of the local area, empower individuals, and demonstrate that inclusive workplaces deliver measurable social and economic value.
Creating Ripple Effects
The true impact of our initiatives extends beyond individual employees or single fundraising events. Inclusive employment fosters independence and confidence that reaches families and support networks. Club fundraising strengthens local infrastructure and community engagement. Charity contributions support life-saving research and patient care.
These ripple effects multiply over time. A stable job can transform a life. A successful fundraiser can sustain a vital program. A sporting event can inspire participation and pride.
Looking Forward
Aero Bowls remains committed to expanding our impact. We will continue to:
- Partner with disability and employment service providers.
- Maintain inclusive hiring practices across administration and manufacturing.
- Support grassroots sporting clubs through product donations.
- Contribute to charitable causes that align with our community values.
- Promote accessibility and inclusion within lawn bowls at all levels.
We believe meaningful impact comes from consistent action, genuine inclusion, and strong partnerships. Through employment opportunities, community donations, and support of inclusive sporting initiatives, Aero Bowls continues to enhance the wellbeing of individuals and strengthen the communities we proudly serve.
Our mission goes beyond manufacturing world-class lawn bowls. We are building opportunity, dignity, connection, and community — one role, one partnership, and one contribution at a time.