Since 2023, the National Disability Championship has proudly celebrated not just the inspiring athletes who take to the lanes, but also the remarkable people working tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all happen. These dedicated volunteers, supporters, and champions of inclusion are the backbone of the event — their commitment, care, and countless hours of work are what bring the Championship to life, year after year. Today, we pause to honour and thank them for everything they do.

We thank Tenpin Bowling Australia Hall of Famer and Western Australian legend who is the manager at Zone Bowling Joondalup, Carol Gianotti, for taking the time to attend and help present these awards to these special people!

Annie Hall (SA)

If you’ve been around disability bowling in South Australia — or anywhere in Australia, really — you know Annie Hall. For over 30 years, Annie has been a constant source of support, care, and encouragement for bowlers with a disability.

Annie is deeply respected within her bowling community for her kindness, friendly nature, and unwavering willingness to help whenever one of her bowlers needs a hand. As a long-serving Cole Cup Manager, Annie is known for lifting spirits and motivating bowlers when they need it most.

But her impact goes far beyond her own team — Annie is the first to step up and help anyone in the community, no matter where they’re from. Thanks to her dedication, passion, and tireless work behind the scenes, her home centre continues to thrive and grow year after year.

Annie, thank you for being the heart and soul of your bowling family — and for inspiring so many with your incredible commitment to inclusive sport.

Dianne Milton – WA

For nearly 40 years, Dianne Milton has been shaping and supporting the next generation of bowlers — both junior and disability athletes — and her legacy is felt far and wide across Western Australia.

Dianne’s coaching journey began decades ago, taking junior teams on unforgettable trips and mentoring young bowlers who still stop her today, all grown up, to say thank you for the guidance they received under her care.

Her contribution to the National Disability Championships started 15 years ago, when the then-President reached out for help assembling a Cole Cup team. That call for help turned into a lasting commitment, and Dianne has been an invaluable part of the Championships ever since.

Recognised time and again for her dedication, Dianne has collected numerous Tenpin Bowling Australia Awards in her home state — earning at least one award every year from 2013 to 2019, spanning a variety of roles.

Dianne, thank you for your decades of service, your generous spirit, and for always being there to nurture and grow the sport we love.

Roll of Honour – Kaye Talbot

One of the most meaningful traditions at the National Disability Championships is the Australian Disabilities Tenpin Roll of Honour — an award that recognises, documents, and celebrates the exceptional individuals who dedicate themselves, often quietly and tirelessly, to growing and supporting our sport both on and off the lanes.

Since its introduction in 2023, this honour has highlighted players, coaches, carers, managers, and administrators whose contributions leave a lasting legacy in our community. In 2025, at the Opening Ceremony in Western Australia, we were proud to welcome the fourth inductee: Kaye Talbot.

A Lifelong Contribution

Originally from South Australia, Kaye’s bowling journey is impressive both as a player and as a driving force behind the scenes. A skilled competitor herself — breaking Australian National records, bowling 200 games at Rachuig, and representing Australia at senior level — Kaye has always balanced excellence on the lanes with leadership and service off them.

After moving to Darwin in 1991, Kaye quickly became a cornerstone of Northern Territory bowling: joining the NTTBA Committee, serving as Tournament Secretary for the Arafura Games, and taking on the role of TBA NT State Manager. Her willingness to step up wherever needed continues today through her role as Treasurer on the ADTI Committee, which she joined in 2021.

A Champion for Disability Bowling

While many know Kaye as an outstanding bowler and administrator, she is perhaps best loved for her passion for coaching — especially in disability bowling.

Kaye earned her Level 1 Coaching accreditation in 1996, dedicating countless weekends to junior leagues for more than two decades. In 2002, she completed her Level 2 in Brisbane and, in 2007, took on Winner’s League, supporting bowlers with a disability.

In 2009, she guided the NT Representative Team to Sunshine, Victoria, and went on to coach the Territory team to win the TBA Restricted Cup five years in a row, as well as the Cole Cup twice. Her coaching excellence was recognised with multiple Coach of the Year Awards at the NTTBA Sports Awards (2009, 2010, and 2015) and as a finalist at the Northern Territory Sports Awards.

Kaye has also given her time to the National High Performance Coaching Program, helping to build capacity and knowledge in disability coaching across Australia. In 2021, her home state honoured her contribution by inducting her into the NT Tenpin Bowling Hall of Fame.

A Community Hero

In 2023, the wider community recognised what the bowling world has long known, naming Kaye Darwin Citizen of the Year for her outstanding service to improving the lives of others.

Despite significant challenges, including the closure of Darwin’s only bowling centre in 2021, Coach Kaye — affectionately known as Coach Tigger — has never stopped finding a way to keep the Territory’s bowlers involved in the sport they love. Her determination ensures the NT remains represented on the national stage and that bowlers have a community to call home.

CONGRATULATIONS KAYE!

Presented by Mr. Frank Paolino, Member for Mount Lawley, representing the Premier of Western Australia, this Roll of Honour induction celebrates not just Kaye’s remarkable record but her unwavering dedication, warmth, and the legacy she continues to build for future generations.

Congratulations, Kaye — you truly embody the spirit of the National Disability Championships, and your contribution will be cherished for many years to come.