Serena Bonnell

Para Jackaroo Bonnell is a proud ambassador for the LGBTQI+ and disability communities.

She participates in the AIS Thrive with Pride program and has been instrumental in encouraging inclusivity in the bowls community by hosting para come-and-try days and one-on-one training sessions, as well as helping emerging para players get on the pathway to state selection.

Following the success of her inaugural Rainbow Versatility Pairs event on the Gold Coast last year, which saw players of varying ages, backgrounds and abilities participate, Bonnell collaborated with Bowls Western Australia to run the event across two states in 2024, with the aim of expanding even further in 2025.

This year, she also ran the inaugural Hawks Blue Ribbon open singles, a multi-disability event that exceeded capacity, as well as a para-inclusive pairs competition in June, matching an open player with a para player and attracted Bowls Australia ranking points.

The Commonwealth Games silver medallist’s passion for inclusivity is unwavering, demonstrated by her commitment to achieving a Guinness World Record for the longest indoor singles game against Ellen Falkner MBA in November last year.

The pair played a consecutive game of lawn bowls for 33 hours and 12 minutes to challenge societal perceptions of citizens with disabilities, and to prove that their will and determination can rival that of anyone else.