Brett Long – 2003 Scotts Australia Greenkeeper of the Year Award

Brett Long
West Coffs Catholic Bowling Club

This greenkeeper’s career started 25 years ago in a small town on the mid north coast. After completing his apprenticeship at Sawtell Bowling Club he moved to Coffs Ex-Services as second-in-charge under John Hiscox.

With several years under his belt and when he thought he had learnt enough to move on, he did so and that was and is where he is still today; West Coffs or what he calls the Vatican.

He has an assistant and apprentices all looking after 3 greens, tennis courts, and a couple of member’s front lawns to keep them busy each week.

He has shown he is still keen to learn with his annual attendance at state and national conference weeks to learn from others, as well give others the inside to what he is thinking and doing during the year.

He has involved himself with the Mid North Coast Greenkeepers Association being president for some years and is now their Secretary.

In everything from tech to today his focus has been to achieve a perfect result.

The condition of his greens where put on show for all the greenkeepers at last year’s Federation Week and since then they have hosted various district events along with the State’s No.1 pennant playoffs.

Being a “gun” bowler has helped him achieve his goals, and having such wit and attitude the boys at the mid north coast are proud to have him with them.

His family is close together and sport runs through all with his daughter very successful at netball and his two boys in many sports.

He has been very fond of his rugby and with his younger son enjoying a good career so far with some representative games, dad is always in the background helping the local club in its weekly needs, especially raffle and auctions.

Often after a conference week he will return with a new Brumbies shirt and be loved by all on return.