Editor’s Note

WORDS: Brian Usher PHOTOGRAPHY Ocean Road

A New Season, A New Chapter for the Bulls

Welcome to the Winter 2026 edition of Ocean Road Magazine. As regular readers will know, alongside my role here as Editor, I’ve spent many years involved with the Bonogin Valley Bulls Cricket Club — first as a player, then as a committee member. So it’s with a great deal of pride, and a healthy sense of responsibility, that I write to you this issue not only as your Editor, but as the newly elected President of the Bonogin Valley Bulls Cricket Club, following our Annual General Meeting held on 10 June at the Frank Chaston Clubhouse.

I want to start by thanking outgoing president Shiraz Younis for his steady leadership, and the club for the trust placed in me. I’m delighted to be working alongside a strong new committee, including Jarrod Eltis and Stephen Nicolaou as Vice Presidents, David Noending as Treasurer, and Jake Savage continuing as Secretary — along with a great team of coordinators across cricket, juniors, events, and our bar and canteen. It takes a village to run a club like ours, and I’m grateful for every volunteer who puts their hand up.

I take on this role at what is, without exaggeration, the most exciting moment in the Bulls’ history. Our merger with Bond University Cricket Club has been formally signed off, bringing fresh playing depth, energy, and culture into our club. At the same time, we are in advanced discussions with Tamborine Mountain Canungra Cricket Club regarding shared access to turf wicket facilities for our Third Grade side — a development that, once finalised, would pave the way for the Bulls to return to the Gold Coast Premier League, giving our players access to the highest standard of cricket on the Gold Coast. These are not small things. They represent years of quiet work by dedicated club people finally coming to fruition.

But momentum on the field counts for little if it isn’t matched by growth off it, and that is where my focus as President will be squarely directed. Growing our membership and player base is, for me, priority number one. Our AGM identified junior development — particularly at the Under 10s level — as an area requiring real attention in 2026/27, and we’ll be backing that up with a competitive fee structure, including a $400 Under 10s registration that incorporates the Queensland Government’s Play On voucher, making it easier than ever for local families to get their kids into cricket.

We’re also broadening how people can be part of the Bulls. New social membership tiers — a simple $5 option and a $50 option that includes a club hat — mean you don’t need to play to belong. Whether you’re a seasoned cricketer chasing a competitive home in Premier League ranks, a junior or family looking for a welcoming community club, an over-40s player wanting a run with old mates, or a local business after a visible and meaningful sponsorship opportunity, there is a place for you at Bonogin Valley.

Behind the scenes, we’re investing in the club’s future — with carpark repairs, a water tank relocation, and kitchen, deck and roof refurbishments underway, plus a fresh push on signage so people driving past Frank Chaston know we’re here. With our 10-year anniversary just 15 months away, planning is also beginning on a Gala Ball, Life Members event, and Team of the Decade celebration — a fitting tribute to everyone who has helped build this club.

None of this happens without people. If you, your family, or your business would like to be part of our story as we build toward what promises to be our most exciting season yet, I’d love to hear from you. Come down to Frank Chaston Clubhouse, say hello, and find out how you can get involved — on the field, behind the bar, or alongside us as a sponsor.

Here’s to a big season ahead, both for the Bulls and for our wider Ocean Road community. Use the QR Code below to express your interest and we will be in touch.

Brian Usher

Editor, Ocean Road Magazine | President, Bonogin Valley Bulls Cricket Club