With winter on its way out, and spring beckoning, it is a timely reminder of just how far through the year we are. It seems like yesterday that the 2025 year was kicking off but already we have seen the major leagues complete their first season, the QPT tour with only 2 legs to go and the 2025 Queensland Pickleball Champs (QPC) now in the past.
Despite this, there are still a vast range of tournaments up and coming, with the largest in terms of participants being the Australian Pickleball Champs (APC).This year promises to be even bigger and better with nearly 50 courts in action for over a week. It sees the introduction of prize money in selected events as well as a range of new brackets. If you have not entered yet, get in quick as places are going fast with well over 1000 entries already.
I would like to thank my committee for the hugely successful QPC event. Not only did it run on time, but saw an even greater number of participants than in previous years. Thanks again to Rykie and her tireless team. If you have not completed the follow-up survey, I strongly urge you to do so now as planning for the 2026 event will be getting underway soon.
The Importance of Joining PAQ A special thanks goes out to all clubs, venues and businesses for re-affiliating with PAQ. Clubs are the backbone of growth which has reached a point where local leagues are becoming common place and inter-club events are evolving. Clubs and venues have a critical part to play in the establishment of pickleball at a state and national level.
When canvassing government bodies for National Sporting Organisation recognition, every member counts so it is important to ensure all of your members become affiliated with PAQ. Our membership has recently reached 6000!However we are aware that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Please encourage your fellow players to affiliate today as this will pay dividends for everyone in the long run.
Queenslanders Dinking At the International Level On the international front, at the risk of missing any names, it has been wonderful to see so many Queensland players competing successfully at the highest levels of pickleball. Danielle Townsend, Emilia Schmitt, Katie Hart, Joey Wild, Lucas Pascoe, Martin Clarke, Oliver Gray, Nicola Schoeman and Sarah Burr have all done us proud. Many of these players will be competing at the APC, so I strongly urge you to bring along your friends and colleagues to support them here on home soil.
Upcoming AGM and Committee Positions As a committee, we are in the process of having the financials prepared, so the AGM date is imminent. It appears that many of the current committee will be putting forward their name for re-election. However,if you would like to join the committee for 2025/26 year, please keep an eye open for the nomination form.
As mentioned in a previous newsletter, PAQ is looking at engaging a person to act as a State Development Officer. The role is still being defined but I hope to get more information to you in the coming month.
Active and Healthy Lifestyle Program Last month, I attended an "Active and Healthy Lifestyle Program" breakfast which promotes activities on the Gold Coast. There they announced a grant that Gold Coast Sports Clubs, local organisations, and activity providers that offer community sport and recreation programs could apply for. These ranged from $5,000 for an individual body to $15,000 if applied for collaboratively.
Pickleball Opportunities on the Gold Coast I also had the opportunity to meet Mark Ensor, General Manager, Venues Gold Coast. He is putting me in contact with key staff to explore pickleball opportunities in the Gold Coast. If your club has not yet contacted your local council, I strongly urge you to do so.
PAQ is happy to endorse proposals given sufficient notice. Having said this, one LGA is already well done the track to deliver a set of purpose built pickleball courts. We are planning an announcement on Finals Day at the APC, so ensure you are there for the announcement!
I trust you will continue to enjoy your pickleball journey and I look forward to seeing you at the APC.
[Words by: Adrian Gray]
ClubHouse BuzzFeed:
This month, we feature a wonderful heartwarming story about a new player to the game of pickleball, Cody Hudson, and his carer Tanya.
Lorraine Christiansen, a member at Gloucester Pickleball Club, sent this lovely email to us recently:
“Tanya is a Gloucester pickleball member who lives in the area but works with this amazing kid down in Mackay.
I had the privilege of meeting Cody & his mother a few weeks ago at our Gloucester courts. Cody thoroughly enjoyed his afternoon with us, was quite social, and gave our players a good workout.
I encouraged Tanya to try out some of the local little tournaments, and the challenge paid off!
What a wonderful story of inclusion working within the sport of pickleball. We wish Cody great success both on and off the pickleball court.”
What Lorraine was talking about was that Cody and Tanya went on to win their division at the recent Mackay QPT Event!
Game On: Queensland Pickleball on Tour - Event Highlights:
Serve, Smash, Repeat! Pickleball Heats Up the Courts Across Queensland
The last couple of months have been pickleball pandemonium in the best way possible - and we’ve loved every minute of it! From first-time venues to record-breaking crowds, the Queensland Pickleball Tour (QPT) has been on fire!
Mackay Magic Mackay served up its very first QPT event - and wow, did it deliver! With 130 enthusiastic players ready to roll, not even the rain could put a damper on the fun. Thanks to a quick-thinking team and a handy indoor backup venue, all matches wrapped up before the skies opened again. Triple crowns were claimed, new players had their moment, and the community support was the real MVP. Definitely one for the memory books!
State Champs at Morayfield Next up: the big one! Morayfield Sports & Events Centre hosted the Queensland State Championships, welcoming a whopping 618 players from across the country (and even a few international contenders). It was a full week of fierce rallies, fast feet, and fantastic sportsmanship. Huge congrats to all medal winners and participants - and a massive shoutout to the City of Moreton Bay Council for backing such an epic event!
QPC: Day 5 action: Open Gendered Doubles
QPC: Day 6 action: Open Mixed Doubles
Yeppoon: Where Pickleball Meets Paradise Most recently, we hit the stunning shores of Yeppoon for another unforgettable QPT stop and the Festival of Pickleball. With 379 players competing on fabulous outdoor courts and an indoor venue, Yeppoon once again proved why it’s a fan-favourite on tour.
Queensland, you’re smashing it - and we’re only getting warmed up. See you on the next stop - Hervey Bay, and then Bundy!
It’s such a great opportunity for senior players over 50 to compete, locally, at a state level and nationally against each other.
PAS is also prioritising several projects that have arisen as a direct result of the survey they did last year.
Committee members are currently working on developing a Seniors Beginners Pack to assist new players in navigating the ‘what, why’s and the how’s’ of pickleball.
They are also investigating injuries specific to senior players as these are occurring at a greater rate each year. They will look at the most common injuries in seniors and how to prevent them through education and information.
PAS is always interested to hear from senior members, so why not follow their Facebook pageand feel free to comment on their content and make suggestions.
[Created by: Fran Healey]
Practical Words of Wisdom from PAQ's pickleCOACH:
Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleball in Winter: What Players Need to Know – Tips & Differences
Winter’s here, but that doesn’t mean your pickleball game has to cool down! Whether you’re heading to an indoor court or toughing it out in the fresh outdoor air, there are big differences that can impact how you play—and how much you enjoy it.
From ball choice and court surfaces to cold-weather warm-ups and visibility challenges, this quick-read guide will help you play smarter this season.
Ready to up your winter game? Click HEREto find out what every Queensland pickleballer should know before stepping on court, indoors OR outdoors!
Health Insights and Key Medical Tips from PAQ's pickleDOC:
How To Warm Up in Winter to Prevent Pickleball Injuries
Winter pickleball can be a blast. But jumping into a game with cold, stiff muscles? That’s a fast track to injury.
Whether you’re playing early mornings or in cooler indoor courts, a proper warm-up is crucial to protect your joints, boost mobility, and get you match-ready.
This article gives you a simple, effective warm-up routine designed specifically for chilly conditions.
Learn how to prep your body with targeted movement, smart layering, and pickleball-specific drills that will keep you feeling loose, safe, and ready to dominate the court.
Don’t risk a pulled muscle - warm up the right way! ClickHERE to read the full article and stay injury-free this winter.
From a Sunshine Coast Backyard to Global Paddle Innovation:
Six Zero’s Journey of Engineering Excellence and Community-driven Growth
Six Zero is what happens when purpose meets performance. They are a community fuelled by innovation, design, and the drive to elevate the game.
From their roots in Australia to courts worldwide, they are here to move pickleball forward.
A handful of years ago, Dale teamed up with his father to build prototypes from their backyard workshop in Moffat Beach, on the Sunshine Coast. What began as small-scale experimentation turned into a pursuit of performance, precision, and progress.
Today, Dale continues to lead innovation at Six Zero with one goal in mind: keep moving the sport forward.
In the words of Dale, “I believe the future of pickleball is in the hands of the people who care enough to challenge what exists. That’s what we’re doing at Six Zero...”
And wait, there's more...HOT OFF THE PRESS - SIX ZERO PICKLEBALL is proud to announce the Grand Opening of its Global Headquarters and first retail showroom at 11/2 Main Drive, Bokarina, Sunshine Coast, Queensland on Saturday, 23rd of August 2025.
How To Choose a Pickleball Paddle Without Loosing Your Mind (or Your Serve)!
Choosing a pickleball paddle shouldn’t feel like a science experiment - but with so many options out there, it often does!
Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your game, finding the right paddle can seriously boost your performance (and your fun).
From weight and grip to materials and shape, we’ve broken it all down into five (okay, six!) easy-to-understand tips to help you choose with confidence.
Click HEREand discover how to find your perfect paddle match! 🏓
Smash the Savings:Member-Only Pickleball Deals!
Love a good deal? As a valued Pickleball Queensland member, you get exclusive access to special discounts on gear, apparel, and more! Whether you're upgrading your paddle, refreshing your court wardrobe, or hunting for a bargain, our Members-Only deals have you covered. Don’t miss out on the savings spree waiting for you! 🛍️
