Robert Dearness

Bob Dearness commenced bowling at Mackay in 1976 at the age of 56 years. He soon became a regular member of all Intercity Rep Teams and in 1977 he became a Director of Mackay TBA.

He served as Secretary until 1989.

Bob was an MTBA Delegate to 10 National and State AGMs, and was appointed a Field Officer for the ATBC by the Secretary, Jack Walton. In his capacity as Field Officer Bob was institutional in the establishment of Associations at Gympie, Maryborough, Bundaberg, Kingaroy, Atherton, Innisfail and Bowen.

He was recognised for service to the sport with a special Certificate presented in Melbourne by the ATBC in 1988, and again by a Certificate of Merit presented in Mackay in 1992.

He pioneered the Central Queensland Intercity Tournament which included Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and later Blackwater.

Bob also helped establish the format for Gympie, Maryborough and Bundaberg for Intercity Competition. During his time as Secretary he was responsible for making Mackay the most travelled Association in Queensland.

In 1995 he was made a Life Member of Mackay TBA, and he was inducted into the Queensland Hall of Fame in 1996.