Inside the PAQ: Dan Johnson’s Game Plan for 2026 - Plus His Journey to the Presidency

Dan Johnson: The New Face of Pickleball Queensland - here's his first Presidential Report - give him a BIG welcome!:

A New Chapter for Pickleball in Queensland

As the newly appointed President of the Pickleball Association of Queensland (PAQ), I’m honoured to step into this role at such an exciting time for our sport.
2025 has been a remarkable year of growth, community connection, and statewide achievement, and it’s a privilege to help guide PAQ into its next chapter.

A Year of Record Growth and Milestones

Pickleball continues to thrive in every corner of Queensland. This year we saw:

• Record participation numbers
• New clubs forming across regional areas
• More players than ever are discovering our sport

The Queensland Pickleball Tour (QPT) and the Queensland Pickleball Championships (QPC) showcased the incredible skill, spirit, and sportsmanship that define our community. Our tournament team also introduced electronic scoring and court-allocation technology, significantly enhancing the player experience.

Acknowledging Our Volunteers and Leaders

Behind every success are our dedicated volunteers, referees, coaches, and committee members. Your commitment is the backbone of PAQ, and I extend my sincere thanks for the positive and inclusive environment you help create.

I’d also like to acknowledge and thank our outgoing President, Adrian Gray, for his outstanding leadership and contribution to the growth of pickleball in Queensland.

Our Focus for 2026: Sustainability, Inclusivity & Community

Looking ahead, our priorities for 2026 will centre on:

• Sustainability across all programs
• Inclusivity in participation and pathways
• Stronger community connection across the state

All nominations to host QPT events for 2026 have been accepted, resulting in 10 exciting tournament opportunities spanning Queensland. Together with the QPC as our showcase event, these tournaments will continue to promote regional growth while strengthening our existing strongholds.

Supporting Clubs, Coaches & Officials

We will continue to expand statewide tournament pathways, support regional clubs, and enhance development opportunities for coaches and officials. Encouraging social play and fostering collaboration between clubs will remain a core focus.

Recognition of Pickleball as an Official Sport

PAQ remains committed to supporting Pickleball Australia in its efforts to secure official sport recognition. This recognition is vital for accessing key grants such as Sport in Schools and is also a critical step on the path toward Olympic inclusion.

A Strong Future Built Together

The growth of pickleball in Queensland is a testament to the passion, teamwork, and enthusiasm of our community. I look forward to working alongside our committee, members, affiliates, and partners to make 2026 another landmark year.

Thank you all for your energy, commitment, and belief in what we’re building together. I look forward to meeting many of you on court soon.

PAQ wishes you and your families a merry and safe festive season.

Dan Johnson, President
Pickleball Association of Queensland

The New Face of Pickleball Queensland - Meet the Man Leading the Way!

Dan Johnson: The Man Behind PAQ’s New Era

Growing Up in Bundaberg: Farms, Family and Foundations

Dan Johnson’s story begins in regional Queensland, growing up on sugar cane farms in Bundaberg, where his family also ran over 100 head of Hereford cattle and an Appaloosa stud. Those early years grounded him in hard work, community, and connection - values that continue to shape how he leads today.

A Career Built on Service: From RAAF to Global IT Leadership

After leaving Bundy High, Dan joined the RAAF in 1979 as an Avionic Engineer, beginning a 14-year chapter in military service. When he transitioned into civilian life in 1993, he began a new journey in information technology, eventually rising to a global executive role leading IT Operations for the Boeing Company.
He retired in 2023 after a long and distinguished career, ready for a new chapter - though he didn’t yet know pickleball was waiting for him!

Life After Retirement: Cruises, Community and 10+ Hours of Pickleball a Week

Retirement has been anything but quiet. Dan spends time balancing cruising the oceans with his wife, Gaye, and dedicating more than 10 hours each week to the pickleball court.

He has also earned his Global Pickleball Federation Level 2 Referee certification, embracing the officiating side of the sport with enthusiasm.

Across Brisbane, he plays at multiple clubs, including:

• Brisbane Pickleball Club
• Focus Pickleball Redcliffe
• Moreton City Pickleball Club
• Brendale and Morayfield Pickleball (for the occasional friendly bash)

Pickleball, he says, has been “a godsend in so many ways!”

More Than Pickleball: A Dog Judge, Former Athlete, and Family Man

Outside of pickleball, Dan lives a life rich with passions. He’s an internationally recognised dog judge specialising in Rottweilers, having bred and shown the breed for many years.

In his younger days, he played soccer at a high level, and today he enjoys family time, long walks with his Pembroke corgi along the Redcliffe Esplanade, and the occasional round of golf - though pickleball tends to win his attention.

How Pickleball Found Me: The Cruise That Changed Everything

Dan’s pickleball story began on an ocean cruise 🍷🍻 between Sydney and Singapore in January 2023, where he spotted “Pickleball” listed on the daily schedule. He watched from the sidelines, curious but not quite ready to jump in.

A week later, back home, fate intervened - during a tennis lesson, he noticed pickleball 🏓being played on the next court. After the session, a friendly player handed him a paddle and said, “Don’t just sit there - come play.”

Dan has not picked up a tennis racquet since!

Drill-Baby-Drill: The Drive to Improve!

Today, Dan plays at several venues each week and competes in tournaments around the 4.0 level. He loves the competitive spirit, the camaraderie, and the challenge of continual improvement.

“Drill baby drill!” he says - a mantra many pickleball players will understand.

Stepping Into Leadership: Dan Johnson as PAQ President

In 2025, Dan stepped into the role of President of Pickleball Association of Queensland (PAQ), bringing his leadership experience, community focus, and passion for the sport into a new chapter.

Dan’s Vision for Pickleball in Queensland

As the new PAQ President, Dan is focused 👀on:

• Connecting with as many players as possible across all ages and abilities.
• Elevating the recognition of pickleball across the state and nationally.
• Strengthening PAQ’s role between local clubs and Pickleball Australia Association (PAA).
• Listening, learning, and collaborating to grow every facet of the sport.

Say Hello on the Courts! 🙋🏻‍♂️

Dan is always open for a chat, a rally, or a quick “Hi” between games. So if you see him around the courts, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself!

And finally, in the words of THE man himself: "Happy Pickling!"

Dan

[Content by Dan Johnson; created by Irene Krajewska]