Bocce Australia is proud to announce the overwhelming success of the Bocce National Championships 2025, with participants from across the country declaring this year’s event the “best ever”.
It was the most ambitious Nationals to date, with five major championships held over 10 action-packed days. These included the Raffa Open, Club Open, Special Olympics Bocce, Junior Open, and Senior Championships, hosted across three venues and featuring an incredible 37 national titles. The event drew 143 players and athletes from all corners of Australia, showcasing the diversity, inclusivity, and competitive spirit of bocce at every level.
Held in a vibrant carnival atmosphere, the Championships brought together players, coaches, officials, families, and supporters in a true celebration of community and sporting excellence.
With record participation, slick event delivery, and top-tier competition across every division, the 2025 Nationals raised the bar for excellence in Australian bocce. Behind the scenes, it was a high-pressure operation with its fair share of challenges — but the result was an overwhelming success.
The week-long carnival wasn’t just about competition, it also featured bocce forum, skills workshops, cultural showcases, and vibrant social events, all reinforcing the inclusive, celebratory spirit of the sport.
A clear crowd favourite? The Glow in the Dark Bocce night — a smash hit among interstate teams! In fact, WA loved it so much, they’ve already bought a set and are planning their own glowing showdown in Perth!
The event was live-streamed across Australia and internationally, reaching a peak viewership of over 108,000 — a record-breaking milestone for Bocce Australia! A huge thank you to our junior and volunteer commentators and broadcasters, whose energy and passion brought the live coverage to life.
Raffa Open: Young guns, historic firsts, and family triumphs
The Raffa Open hosted at the Ky bocce club, Kyabram in regional Victoria was the opening event of the 10-day Nationals 2025 event and it marked a historic chapter for Australian bocce, with several firsts and standout performances across both men’s and women’s divisions.
In a remarkable display of youthful talent, Liam McInnes and his brother Oliver McInnes dominated the prestigious Open Precision Throw event – a first for Australian bocce where two brothers shared the podium. Liam claimed Gold, while Oliver delivered a superb performance to finish runner-up.
In the Women’s Precision Throw, Diane Penney emerged victorious, adding another gold to her already impressive record. Her skill, composure, and accuracy under pressure were unmatched throughout the event. Silver went to Tina D’Urbano who is a shing light in the manner that she has improved her skills in the sport to be given the title of MIP (Most Improved Player).
The men’s doubles saw another milestone, with Tony and Mario Borrelli, a father-and-son duo, securing the national title – a first-time achievement in the Raffa discipline that celebrates the generational depth of the sport. In the women’s doubles, Maria Greco and Angelina Borrelli combined forces to take out the title with a polished and commanding performance.
To cap off the Raffa Open, the coveted Best and Fairest Awards were presented to:
- Diane Penney: Best and Fairest – Women’s division
- Paul McInnes: Best and Fairest – Men’s division
These achievements not only highlight the growing depth and diversity of talent in the sport but also reflect the strong family and community spirit that defines bocce in Australia.
“One of the standout moments of Finals Day on Monday was the thrilling showcase of the Raffa Precision Throw — a true crowd-pleaser that had everyone on the edge of their seats.”
Club Open Championship: Nation’s top clubs deliver a showcase of depth and diversity
The Club Open Championship was a tightly contested and prestigious event, drawing clubs from Western Australia to Far North Queensland, each vying for the coveted title of Australia’s Best Bocce Club.
After a week of high-calibre play and fierce club pride, Club Victoria took top honours, securing the national club title. This win earns Club Victoria the right to host and represent Australia at the inaugural Asia-Oceania Champions Club Cup, scheduled for May 2026 in Melbourne, where they will face off against international opponents including Club Tokyo.
Podium finishes were spread widely, highlighting the competitive balance across Australia’s bocce clubs:
- Casa D’Abruzzo claimed gold in both the Women’s Doubles and Men’s Fours.
- Newmarket Bocce Club celebrated a first-ever gold in the Triples.
- Silver medals were awarded to WA Tuscany, ATW Bundaberg, Club Victoria (Women), and Redlands QLD, ensuring 6 of the 7 competing clubs reached the podium.
The Best and Fairest Awards went to two standout athletes from ATW Bundaberg:
- Best and Fairest – Women’s Division: Cely McLelland (ATW Bundaberg, QLD)
- Best and Fairest – Men’s Division: Genio Mizzi (ATW Bundaberg, QLD)
This year’s Club Open exemplified the strength, unity, and sporting excellence of club-level bocce in Australia, further strengthening inter-club connections and setting the stage for international competition.
Junior Open – All-girls brilliance shines through
The 2025 Junior Open was a celebration of emerging talent and the growing strength of female participation in bocce. This year, the competition was an all-girls affair, highlighting the sport’s increasing appeal to young women and the success of development pathways across the country.
From the opening matches to the final ends, the Junior Open featured spirited play, impressive precision, and great sportsmanship. These young athletes demonstrated not only technical skill, but also maturity, confidence, and a genuine passion for the game – earning applause from coaches, officials, and spectators alike.
This standout performance by an all-female field of junior competitors was a clear signal that the future of bocce is bright, inclusive, and increasingly female-led.
“The juniors weren’t just promising—they were exceptional with all achieving their best PB’s.” — Stefan Chiandotto, Head National Coach, Junior Development Program.
Best and fairest went to Melissa Danelutti (NSW).
Special Olympics – Heart of the Nationals
The Special Olympics bocce competition hosted at the Knox Bocce Club, brought together inspirational athletes, coaches, and families. Every match was a testament to courage, resilience, and joy – capturing the spirit of sport at its purest.
“This is what bocce is all about – community, inclusion, and pride in every player.” — Mary Greig, National Event Coordinator
Senior Championships – NSW crowned top bocce state
The Senior Championships once again delivered powerful performances, tight matches, and a strong sense of pride and tradition. With veteran experience on display across all disciplines, the competition proved why the Seniors division remains a cornerstone of the Bocce Nationals.
This year, it was New South Wales (NSW) that rose to the top, emerging as the Champion Bocce State by securing the most podium finishes across all senior events. Their consistent results across singles, doubles, combine, and the throwing disciplines showcased depth of talent and tactical mastery at every level.
NSW’s success is a testament to their strong training programs and investment in both player development and high-performance skill training. Their achievement also reinforces the healthy and growing rivalry between the states—a hallmark of the national bocce landscape.
New record: Rapid Relay Throw – Asia Oceania benchmark
A major highlight of the 2025 Nationals was the record-breaking performance by siblings Nicole and Daniel Samsa, who shattered both the Australian and Asia-Oceania records in the Rapid Relay Throw event. Their timing, coordination, and relentless speed set a new standard for the region and sent the crowd into roaring celebration.
The Best and Fairest Awards went to two standout athletes:
- Best and Fairest – Women’s Division: Vanessa Allegretto (VIC)
- Best and Fairest – Men’s Division: Tony Borrelli (VIC)
A carnival to remember
With 37 national titles awarded, five major disciplines showcased, and historic moments captured across every event, the 2025 Bocce Nationals will be remembered as a turning point in the sport’s modern journey.
From legacy clubs to first-time gold medallists, rising stars to senior veterans, and inclusive champions across all categories—this year’s Nationals embodied everything bocce can be: competitive, community-driven, and unforgettable.
It’s important to pause and reflect on the feedback received — especially when it’s so overwhelmingly positive. All too often, we move on without fully appreciating our achievements or recognising the dedication behind them. This event serves as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together, and the positive response from participants is a clear reflection of the hard work, passion, and collaboration that made it all possible.
The Gala Presentation Night hosted at the Casa D’Abruzzo club and the main venue for the Bocce Carnival 2025, was a truly a special occasion, and a fitting conclusion to a wonderful Bocce carnival highlighted by three prestigious honours:
Walter Brecevic and Luigi (Louis) Chiumello were inducted into the Team of the Half Century, and Emilio Colla was recognised as our newest Life Member.
Congratulations to all our champions, award recipients, and every player who made this year’s Nationals one to remember!
Hall of Fame highlights – A night to remember
The night of nights for the Brecevic, Chiumello, and Colla families.
Emotions ran high during heartfelt speeches as Walter Brecevic and Luigi (Louis) Chiumello were inducted into the Team of the Half Century, and Emilio Colla received Life Membership honours.
Moving tributes and fond memories were shared by Antonio Biancacci, Fernando Cardinale, and RayCher — each recounting heartfelt stories of the contributions and character of these greats of Australian bocce.
Their reflections brought laughter, tears, and a deeper appreciation of the legacy built by Brecevic, Chiumello, and Colla.
A moving celebration of legacy, contribution, and love for the game.
With record participation, increased events, improved event operations, and high-calibre play across every division, the 2025 Nationals set a new standard for excellence. The week-long event also included workshops, cultural showcases, and social activities, reinforcing the inclusive and celebratory spirit of bocce.
We are proud to report that the overall feedback was exceptionally positive, with many participants commending the success of the event and the professionalism displayed throughout. That said, we also recognise there is always room to improve, and a few constructive suggestions have been noted to ensure next year’s event is even more impactful.
A common theme among responses was the vibrant, inclusive atmosphere, with participants praising the strong sense of community and camaraderie. Many also highlighted the high standard of the venue — its cleanliness, thoughtful layout, and overall suitability for both competitors and spectators alike.
Below is a selection of quotes that captures the many highlights and the enjoyment shared by so many:
“This year’s Nationals were simply outstanding. The organisation, the level of competition, the energy – everything was next level.” — Carlo Venuto, Silver Medallist (Club Doubles) Tuscany Club, WA
“It brought everyone together – players, families, volunteers. Just amazing.” — Kerrie Reitano, Coach and Redlands Bocce Club delegate
“Never realised Bocce was like this, it’s more than just a tournament – a true carnival of bocce.” — Rob Pierantozzi, DJ and new to bocce
“The best Nationals I’ve attended in over 20 years.” — David Pevere, ACT, Cooma Bocce Club
“Well done athletes and thanks to the organisers for the success of a great tournament.” — Cathy Cook(Special Olympics Bocce)
“Well done you legends, what a great weekend we had” — Kaye Hampel,Bocce Supporter from SA
“Was a great competition- thank you”. — Robert Ottaviano
“Thoroughly enjoyed my first Nationals – job well done by Sonia and crew on the coal face – I made a few new friends and caught up with a couple of others from Queensland Clubs. Well done Bocce Australia.” — Lindsay Elliott Silver Medallist (Club Triples) ATW Bundaberg, Qld
“Was a great competition and enjoyed the gala night.” — Gina Sciortino Redlands, QLD
Thank you to all involved
Bocce Australia extends its deepest thanks to the players, coaches, volunteers, officials, families, and supporters who made the 2025 Bocce Nationals such a landmark success. Together, we’ve not only celebrated champions—we’ve elevated the sport to new heights.
We now look ahead with pride and excitement to the Asia-Oceania Champions Club Cup in May 2026, and beyond, as we continue to grow the Bocce community across Australia.
All bocce national results can be viewed on Bocce Australia Facebook page.
Here’s to the memories made, records broken, and the spirit of bocce that unites us all. See you on the court!