By Beau Preston
For George, lawn bowls was more than just a game— with 50 years on the green and multiple state titles under his belt, it was his way of life. At 87, facing a rapidly progressing brain tumour, his wish was to return to the green one last time. Thanks to the dedication of Bolton Clarke’s Central Coast Home support team, that wish became a reality.
George’s journey took a challenging turn when his health declined rapidly. George had always been an active member of the Halekulani bowls club, but after a hospital stay left him feeling he’d lost his independence, he hadn’t stepped onto the green for more than six months. Despite it all, his love for bowls never wavered. As George himself put it, “It’s a whole lifestyle to me… You must beat these blokes out here.” His daughter Lynda described it as “a driver, a motivation to get out,” adding that the club wasn’t just a place to play but a community
Following his recent tumour diagnosis, his case manager, Haylea, and occupational therapist, Erin, learned of his wish. For Haylea, helping George achieve his dream was deeply rewarding. “Honouring a client’s last wish is so important because it gives them dignity and joy in their final days,” she said. “Being able to do that for George, knowing how much it meant to him and his family, is something I’ll always cherish.”
The biggest challenge was ensuring George could play safely. Standard walkers weren’t allowed on the green, but with quick thinking and determination, the team sourced a specially designed walker that met regulations. The walker was ordered at 8 a.m., delivered by 3 p.m., and George was back on the green by 2 p.m. the very next day. He wasted no time practicing with his daughter Lynda in his garage, preparing for the big return.
As soon as his walker arrived, George wasted no time—he was out in his garage, rolling practice bowls, determined to make his return a memorable one. The big day brought together his family, including his daughter and granddaughter, as well as a crowd of bowls club members eager to cheer him on. He faced off against his longtime friend and opponent, Murray, and the two wasted no time exchanging their usual friendly sledging. Murray didn’t take it easy, but George wouldn’t have had it any other way.
In a touching tribute, George also took a moment to roll a few with his late wife’s bowls, honouring the memories they had shared on the green. It was clear to everyone present that bowls was never just a game for George—it was a community, a passion, and a connection to those he loved.
For Erin, the joy wasn’t just in the outcome but in witnessing George laugh with his mates, immersed in the camaraderie that had always defined his time on the green. “There’s a big difference between existing and living,” she said. “George is a prime example of what it means to truly live and age well.”
Bowls had never just been about competition for George, though he proudly recounted winning championships and coaching future champions. It was about belonging. He described the club as a place to share a meal, make friends, and find people who “keep in contact with you and look after you.”
His wish wasn’t only about getting back on the green—it was about keeping the club alive for others. In yet another act of generosity, George made it clear that he wanted to donate his walker to the club after he passed, ensuring that others could stay on the green.
For those who witnessed his journey, George was more than a man who loved bowls—he was a testament to the power of human connection, determination and the importance of continuing to do what we love as we age. Through the dedication of Bolton Clarke’s team, he was able to stay in his home, retain his independence, and achieve one last unforgettable moment on the green.
As Lynda put it best: “It means everything. To see him out there… it brought my old Dad back.”
Vale George Murray 29.11.37 – 31.03.25