White breaks mould
THIS week we chat to a colourful character of the game who is breaking the mould of women’s bowls.
Two-time Australian Open champion and runnerup in last year’s AO singles, Georgia White is turning heads with her tattoos, nose ring and occasional hair extension of 2ft-long green and gold plaits. The Queensland representative and Club Helensvale Gold Coast Hawks BPL rep gives us some insight into her life and bowls.
How did you get into the sport of bowls?
My brother Sam and I started playing through family with my mum Imelda and dad Mick both playing. Also, Mark Casey was a big influence – Sam and I enjoyed watching him play and he was our babysitter.
You started early; did you take any breaks?
Yes, I gave the sport away when I had a baby at age 21 with my partner Reed Burgess. I didn’t come back and play again until around 25 after having two boys close together. I enjoyed the break but it was good to get back.
Tell us about your tattoos.
I love tattoos and Sam is a tattoo artist. My leg tattoos take inspiration from the show Vikings and especially the main woman warrior Lagertha – her shield is inside the dream catcher. Vikings are one of my favourite cultures because women could be warriors/shield maidens and fight with the men.
Do you get strange looks or comments while on the bowling green?
Sometimes. Some older ladies don’t approve but most are pretty interested in them. Some ladies from Club Helensvale when we recently played the club fours final went out and got temporary tattoos and put them on their arms and legs to play us in the final. It was so lovely and such a good laugh, best club!
What do you enjoy most about the game?
I love that it’s inclusive. People of all ages, all walks of life and all abilities can all play together, and I also love that it’s a thinking game. Was the highlight of the recent Musgrave Hill Easter Prestige Singles being the best performed female or beating your brother Sam?
Ha ha, highlight was definitely beating my brother – I
I LOVE THAT (BOWLS) IS INCLUSIVE. PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND ALL ABILITIES CAN ALL PLAY TOGETHER.
GEORGIA WHITE
think it’s the first time I ever have! We’re ultra-competitive so I have bragging rights now. But so stoked also to be best performed female.
What do you do for a living?
I’m currently working at Club Helensvale in reception and gaming. General manager Len Brunt gave me my very first job when I was 15, I am lucky enough to be back there after years of doing different jobs and studying.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I am a qualified beauty therapist, makeup artist and massage therapist, I do hot stone, aromatherapy, Swedish, and some reflexology as well as Indian head massage.