Former Bowls Australia President and World Bowls President Darryl Clout AM has been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, headlining a group of contributors from the bowls community acknowledged for their service.
Clout was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to international sports administration and the community, recognising a distinguished career spanning more than four decades across bowls, softball, government and sport administration.
A highly respected leader within the sport, Clout served as a Director of Bowls Australia from 2012 to 2020, including three years as President between 2017 and 2020.
During his tenure, he helped guide the organisation through a period of significant growth and transformation, before taking on an international leadership role as President of World Bowls from 2021 to 2024.
Clout remains a Director of World Bowls and continues to contribute to the global development of the sport.
His influence extends well beyond bowls; he has served as a Director of Commonwealth Games Australia, chaired its Heritage and Awards Committee, and held numerous senior leadership positions across softball, government and the broader sporting sector.
The honour recognises a lifetime dedicated to sport administration and community service.
OAM Recognition for Bowls Contributors
Several members of the wider bowls community were also recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Trevor Barron OAM (WA)
Trevor Barron OAM was recognised for service to bowls following more than three decades of contribution to the sport in Western Australia.
A former President of Bowls WA, Barron also served as Deputy President, State Selector, State Team Manager and Chair of Selectors.
He remains actively involved at club level with Osborne Park Bowling Club, where he is a Life Member.
Betty McGuire OAM (VIC)
Betty McGuire OAM was recognised for service to the sport of softball, and also has a long and distinguished involvement in blind bowls.
A former President of the Australian Blind Bowls Association and former committee member of Victoria Blind Bowls, McGuire played a significant role in the administration and development of blind bowls nationally over several decades.
Lawrence Molachino OAM (QLD)
Lawrence Molachino OAM was recognised for service to the community of Ingham.
Among his many community contributions, Molachino served as Treasurer of Ingham Bowls Club from 2010 to 2017 and has been a valued contributor to the local bowls community.
Gary King OAM (VIC)
Gary King OAM was recognised for service to the community of Koo Wee Rup.
A current member of Koo Wee Rup Bowls Club, King has dedicated decades of service to community organisations, local sport and civic life in regional Victoria.
Celebrating Service
The King’s Birthday Honours recognise Australians who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and chosen fields.
The recognition of Clout, Barron, McGuire, Molachino and King highlights the important role played by administrators, volunteers and community leaders in helping bowls thrive across Australia.
Bowls Australia congratulates all recipients on their well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their contribution to the sport and their communities.