Small Town, Big Wins: How Cardwell Pickleball Transformed Unused Tennis Courts

In the little town of Cardwell in North Queensland, the Cardwell District Pickleball Club has proven that you don't need a massive member base to make great things happen. Through determination and strategic community backing, this regional club has completely revitalised its local sporting facilities.

Turning Unused Tennis Courts into a 6-Court Pickleball Hub

The club's massive transformation kicked off thanks to significant funding support. The Gambling Community Benefit Fund and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council grants provided $46,000 to resurface two unused tennis courts.

The result? The space was successfully converted into:

• 6 awesome pickleball courts
• 1 refreshed tennis court

Overcoming the 2025 North Queensland Floods

The club's resilience was put to the test following a severe tropical low in January and February of 2025. The extreme weather left Cardwell inundated with floodwaters, which took a heavy toll on the club's infrastructure.

Following the floods, the club realised they could no longer safely use their old storage shed. Vital gear was being damaged, and the damp environment was quickly becoming a health hazard.

A Secured Future and a Stronger Community

Refusing to back down, the club proactively applied for a Sport and Recreation Recovery Grant to help replace their ruined nets and secure a weather-proof storage solution for their equipment. The application was a success! The club secured a $2,240 grant, which was immediately put to great use.

Club Infrastructure Upgrades:

• 4 permanent nets to replace the flood-damaged equipment
• A clean, vermin-free shipping container to keep all gear safe and dry

The total transformation of this previously neglected area in the community has been nothing short of outstanding. It has provided a massive lift not only to the club's active members but to the entire Cardwell community.

Robyn Archer, President, Cardwell District Pickleball Club

The Takeaway? 

You don’t need a massive member base or a huge budget to achieve great things.

Cardwell District Pickleball Club is living proof that with community backing, strategic grants, and a bit of regional resilience, any small club can bounce back and build something extraordinary.

If your club is facing a similar uphill battle or looking to upgrade your facilities, let Cardwell’s story be your blueprint - the next big transformation could be yours!

PS. Did You KNOW 🤔💭 that PAQ has grants for <$1000??

PAQ Funding:

Affiliated clubs may apply for grants of up to $1,000 per financial year (this is dependent on available finances of PAQ). The grant is expected to be fully expended within the current financial year on eligible expenditure within the following categories:

·         Member Development - training courses and/or accreditation

·         Facilities, Equipment and Resources – purchase of equipment (other than paddles and balls) such as nets and barriers, training aids, educational resources, minor facility improvements, court marking instruments, software to support club organisation and management.

·         Health and Safety Capability – First Aid and CPR training, acquisition of medical kits.

Application Process:

Complete the application form, and submit invoices with quotes to clubsupport@pickleballqueensland.org (note: two quotes are required, unless a sole supplier is used).

For more information - click HERE!