PRESIDENTIAL UPDATE: Championships, Global Stars, and New Facilities 

There is plenty happening across the Queensland pickleball community as we head into the middle of the year. From elite tournaments to major grassroots milestones, the energy on and off the court is higher than ever.

Countdown to the Queensland Pickleball Championships (QPC)

Attention is turning to the premier event on our state calendar: the Queensland Pickleball Championships (QPC), running from 1–5 July.

If you haven’t entered yet, now is the time! This truly is the pinnacle event for amateur pickleball in Queensland. Secure your spot and test your skills against the state's best.

Good Luck Team QLD! We also want to wish all the incredible Queensland representatives competing in the upcoming Australian Masters Cup Regionals the very best of luck. Bring it home!

Queenslanders on the World Stage: Elite Success

We are incredibly proud of the achievements of Queensland players making waves on the international stage. Local stars like Danni-Elle Townsend, Sahra Dennehy, Joey Wild, and Emilia Schmidt are doing us proud overseas.

Through Major League Pickleball (MLP), the PPA, the APP Tour, and other elite professional events in the United States, these athletes are showcasing the sheer strength of Queensland pickleball to the world. We also have fantastic representation carving it up across Asia.

Their success is a direct reflection of their dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport. They aren't just winning matches - they are providing vital inspiration for the next generation of junior and amateur Queensland players aspiring to compete at the highest levels.

Advocacy and Upskilling: Growing the Game Responsibly

Behind the scenes, Pickleball Association Queensland (PAQ) continues to actively represent the interests of our members, affiliates, and the broader sport. We are heavily involved in ongoing, collaborative discussions between Pickleball Australia and Tennis Australia. As always, our primary focus remains on supporting the sustainable, long-term growth of pickleball in Queensland.

Upskill Your Pickleball Career

For those looking to give back to the game and elevate their qualifications, keep an eye out for our upcoming club development initiatives:

• Official pickleball coaching courses
• Referee accreditation opportunities
• Referee mentoring initiatives

Volunteer Spotlight: Sarah Whitehouse (Dayboro Pickleball)

Pickleball in Queensland simply would not exist without the incredible efforts of volunteers who give their time to grow the sport and build welcoming local communities.

This month, I’d like to give a massive shoutout to Sarah Whitehouse from Dayboro Pickleball.

Through her exceptional leadership, successful grant applications, and unwavering commitment to club development, Dayboro has grown significantly. In fact, they are now expanding their court capacity just to meet the booming local demand! Sarah is quick to share the credit with her fellow volunteers, but her contribution is a perfect example of the massive impact passionate people can have on our sport.

Thank you, Sarah, and thank you to all of our selfless volunteers across Queensland.

The Ultimate Vision: A Dedicated Queensland Pickleball Centre

Finally, exciting work continues behind the scenes as we explore opportunities to establish a dedicated, state-of-the-art Queensland Pickleball Centre - a place where players can Come, Play, Belong.

Our vision is to create a true home for pickleball in Queensland. This hub will support everyone in our ecosystem, from first-time players and social clubs through to professional coaches, referees, volunteers, and elite competitors.

We look forward to sharing more details with you as these plans continue to develop.

See you on the courts!

Dan Johnson

President

FROM THE TOURNAMENT DESK:

Queensland Pickleball Tour (QPT): Thrilling Updates From Townsville and Mackay

The regional competitive circuit is heating up! The QPT has seen incredible participation numbers and standout performances as players travel across the state to hunt for medals and leaderboard glory.

QPT Townsville: A Spectacular Three-Day Showcase

QPT Townsville wrapped up a highly successful three-day tournament on 17 May. A massive thank you goes out to Michelle Jones, her dedicated organising team, and Jamie, alongside his crew of playing referees. Your hard work delivered a truly fantastic event for Queensland pickleball.

📊 QPT Townsville Tournament Statistics

The event saw massive engagement across a packed schedule:

• 160 players hitting the courts.
• 31 individual events contested.
• 581 matches played over the 3-day long weekend.
• 15 courts running at maximum capacity.

👑 The Ultimate Triumph: Triple Crown Winner

A special shoutout must go to Marie Laffan, who achieved the ultimate tournament milestone by becoming a Triple Crown Winner at the event! Congratulations, Marie, on an absolutely outstanding achievement on the court!

QPT Mackay: Sunshine, Medals, and Ranking Points

The competitive momentum carried right over to QPT Mackay, where players battled it out for coveted medals and valuable ranking points.

The tournament was blessed with beautiful sunshine all weekend, creating the perfect setting for players, spectators, and volunteers alike. The courts were buzzing with fast-paced rallies, exciting matches, and plenty of competitive spirit, while smiles and laughter could be found around every corner.

Beyond the medals and results, the weekend was about what makes pickleball so special - making new friends, catching up with old ones, enjoying great sportsmanship, and sharing a love for the game. The fair play, encouragement, and sense of community on display throughout the tournament truly embodied the spirit of pickleball. What a fantastic weekend!

📊 QPT Mackay Tournament Statistics

The competitive energy in Mackay was absolutely spectacular, backed by an impressive showing across all metrics:

• 157 players filled the brackets.
• 34 individual events were fiercely contested.
• 582 matches kept the court action going all weekend long.
• 26 courts were running at maximum capacity to handle the volume of play.

A big thank you goes to Brett Walz and team for running a smooth tournament, and Paul and Julie Campbell with their team of hard-working, dedicated referees.

 👑 The Mackay Triple Crown & A Heartwarming Family Victory

The standout story of the weekend belongs to Leyton Clifford, who secured an exceptional milestone by becoming QPT Mackay's Triple Crown Winner!

What makes this achievement truly remarkable is Leyton's rapid rise in the sport. He has only been playing pickleball for 12 months, but his deep love for the game shines through every time he plays. Mackay marked his very first official tournament appearance. And heading into the weekend, he wasn't entirely sure what to expect.

Ultimately, the event became an unforgettable core memory for him - highlighted by winning the Men’s Doubles gold medal alongside his Dad.

Congratulations Leyton, on an extraordinary debut on the state tour circuit!

Upcoming Queensland Pickleball Tournaments & Championships (Winter 2026)

Clear your calendars and get your paddles ready! The Queensland Pickleball tournament circuit is heading into an incredibly busy winter season, offering plenty of action for both competitive athletes and eager spectators.

Lock in these essential dates for your next shot at tournament glory:

📅 Winter 2026 Pickleball Event Calendar

🏸 13–14 June: QPT Brisbane – Rain Delayed Matches

We are heading back to wrap up the action! This weekend is officially dedicated to concluding the highly anticipated rain-delayed matches from the QPT Brisbane leg. Come along to witness fast-paced, high-stakes showdowns as competitors finish what they started on the courts.

🏖️ 19–21 June: QPT Sunshine Coast

The tour heads coastal! QPT Sunshine Coast kicks off a massive three-day weekend of elite regional play. Expect a spectacular atmosphere, great sportsmanship, and fierce competition as players battle it out on the beautiful Sunshine Coast.

🏆 1–5 July: 2026 Queensland Pickleball Championship

• Location: Redcliffe Focus Tennis, Pickleball Centre

The crown jewel of our state schedule, the 2026 Queensland Pickleball Championship, is shaping up to be something truly special. With passionate players travelling from across the entire state and beyond, this blockbuster tournament promises to solidify its place as one of the single premier pickleball events on the annual Queensland sporting calendar.

Key QPC Tournament Updates You Need to Know:

• New Divisions Added: On popular request, we have officially added 4.0–4.49 skill levels to our events in demand! Be sure to jump online and check out these newly added brackets.
• Weather-Proof Planning: Don't let unpredictable winter elements worry you -we have fully prepared a robust weather backup plan if rain tries to interfere with play. Rest assured that if you register, you will get out on the court!
• Urgent Registration Notice: Time is running out to secure your spot. Only2 weeks remain to register (closes 15 June) for this elite State Championship - don't miss out on your chance to compete!

Join the Team: Calling All Volunteers for the Queensland Pickleball Championship!

Want to be part of Queensland's premier pickleball event? Discover how you can sign up as a volunteer for the QPC 2026 in Redcliffe this July.

The pinnacle event on our state calendar is just around the corner, and we need your energy to make it a roaring success!

The Queensland Pickleball Championship (QPC) simply cannot happen without our amazing community of volunteers. Running from 1–5 July in Redcliffe, this is your chance to get a front-row seat to the best action in the state while giving back to the game we all love.

Why Volunteer at QPC 2026?

If you would like to be part of Queensland’s premier pickleball event, there are so many fantastic reasons to put your hand up:

• Make New Friends: Connect with fellow pickleball enthusiasts, players, and supporters from all across the region.
• Build the Community: Help create an absolutely unforgettable tournament experience for both competitors and spectators alike.
• Every Hand Counts: Whether you can spare a few hours or a few days, every single helping hand makes a massive difference.

How to Get Involved

Ready to make a difference? Joining our community crew is simple. Interested volunteers can directly contact our dedicated Tournament Team at tournaments@pickleballqueensland.org.

Drop us a line today and join us in making QPC 2026 our biggest, brightest, and best state championship yet!

How DUPR Ratings and Skill Eligibility Work in Queensland Pickleball Tournaments

Concerned about tournament fairness? Learn how Tournament Organisers verify player DUPR ratings and enforce division skill eligibility guidelines for a level playing field.

We regularly receive enquiries from players who are concerned about other competitors’ skill levels and event eligibility. Ensuring a fair, balanced, and competitive environment is a top priority for our sport.

Please be assured that both the Tournament Organiser (TO) and Tournament Director (TD) carefully review all incoming player registrations and meticulously verify eligibility for each individual division before brackets are drawn.

📅 DUPR Cutoff Rules Explained

To keep brackets fair, our tournament team relies on strict timeline standards:

• Two-Week Lock: Tournament registrations generally close at least two weeks before the scheduled event.
• Eligibility Check: The player’s official DUPR rating at that exact closing time is what determines division eligibility.
• Subsequent Changes: Any subsequent changes to a player’s DUPR score via later tournaments will not normally be considered for that specific event.

📈 Leveraging Higher DUPR Ratings for Growth

Players should also understand that improving your pickleball skill rating often requires actively competing against stronger players and performing well against them.

Challenging yourself by stepping into brackets with higher-rated opponents is one of the premier, proven pathways to long-term rating growth and personal skill development. Don't fear the step up!

Shared Responsibilities: Creating a Positive Court Culture

Let’s each focus on our respective responsibilities to ensure our tournaments remain a blast for everyone involved:

For Our Players

• Prepare diligently, train hard, compete with integrity, and thoroughly enjoy the tournament experience.

For Our Tournament Organisers and Directors

• Ensure all tournament events are fair and well-run.
• Guarantee that players are accurately entered into the appropriate, verified skill divisions.

Together, we can create a positive, transparent, and highly competitive environment for every pickleball player in Queensland!

Mental Food: Mastering the Mental Game of Pickleball

Want to win more matches? Discover how mastering your sports psychology and focusing on what you can control can transform your pickleball performance under pressure.

You have much more control over your pickleball game than you may realise.

We often create our own psychological barriers on the court through external distractions, fleeting frustrations, and self-imposed limitations. A disputed score, a missed unforced error, an unfavourable referee decision, or anxiety about an opponent's rating can quickly steal your focus away from what matters most - the very next point.

To build true mental toughness, you must learn to separate the uncontrollable from your personal actions.

❌ The Elements You Cannot Control

Dwelling on these external factors only wastes your mental energy and hurts your on-court performance:

• Opponents' calls: Line calls and choices made by the other team.
• The weather: Sudden wind gusts, sun glare, or heat.
• Referee decisions: Official rulings that don't go your way.
• Crowd noise: Spectator chatter, cheering, and background movement.

✅ The Elements You Can Control

This is where your focus belongs. Channelling your energy into these categories is the ultimate pathway to rating growth and tournament success:

• Your effort: How hard you scramble, move your feet, and fight for every ball.
• Your attitude: Maintaining a positive, constructive, and resilient mindset.
• Your preparation: Your warm-up routine, hydration, and pre-match strategy.
• Your shot selection: Choosing smart drops, resets, and dinks over risky attacks.
• Your response to adversity: How you reset your mind after dropping a tough point.

The Secret to Court Success: Fast Recovery

The strongest competitors in pickleball are not always the most naturally talented athletes. Instead, they are often the players who possess the best mental strategies to recover quickest from mistakes, stay grounded in the present moment, and remain fiercely focused under intense pressure.

Take active control of how much court distractions are allowed to impact your game. Embrace your individual development journey and always aspire to be the best you can be - both as a player and as a person.

Enjoy the sport, and happy playing!

Rykie Louw

Tournament Director

CLUB SUPPORT UPDATE:

Read the latest community updates from Pickleball Association Queensland (PAQ). Discover how Hervey Bay and Noosa Pickleball Clubs are boosting court safety and reflect on the mental game of pickleball with coach Simon Moore. And, learn how local clubs can redeem $200 Play On! Sports Vouchers and register as activity providers.

Safety Upgrades: Big Wins for Hervey Bay & Noosa Pickleball Clubs

More good news for our regional communities! Pickleball Association Queensland (PAQ) has been able to assist both Hervey Bay Pickleball Club and Noosa Pickleball Club in significantly enhancing their player safety through our current Grant Support program.

Our local clubs are leveling up their infrastructure to protect players on and off the courts:

• Hervey Bay Pickleball Club: Now has a dedicated, designated on-site first aid tent, thanks to the fantastic coordination and hard work of Rob Towan, Wendy Beltrame, and Niel Ensbey.
• Noosa Pickleball Club: Huge thanks go out to Katherine Crawford-Gray and John Murphy for successfully acquiring a life-saving defibrillator for their brand-new venue in Noosa.

Guest Feature: Finding Your Pickleball “Why”: When Your Wins Don't Feel Like Enough

An incredibly insightful article was shared with us recently, and we hope you find deep value in the reflection below.

It was written by Simon Moore, a PA Level 2 pickleball coach, writer, and the creative mind behind Pickleball Ignite. Simon regularly writes for the NSW association, and his Pickleball Ignite program focuses on developing youth, community-based initiatives.

He uses pickleball as a powerful platform to develop confidence, well-being, connection, and personal development in players.

Take a moment to read his words below and reflect on the deeper reasons we all play this great game:

The Mental Game: Reconnecting with the Joy of the Court

Have you ever walked off the court after a win and still felt dissatisfied?

Maybe you won the match but didn’t play the way you hoped. Maybe the scoreline says you did well, but you’re replaying the few mistakes that stick in your mind. Or perhaps you’re winning more games than you used to, yet the sense of progress doesn’t quite feel as rewarding as you expected. It’s a strange experience, but a common one in sport.

Pickleball has a way of pulling us forward. As our skills improve, our expectations often rise with them. The games get tougher, the standards higher, and suddenly the wins that once felt exciting can start to feel routine or even slightly underwhelming.

That’s usually a sign it’s time to pause and ask a bigger question: What is pickleball actually about for you?

For some players, it’s all about competition and constant improvement. For others, it’s about community, friendship, and staying active. For many of us, it’s a mix of all three, and that balance naturally shifts over time. Taking a moment to reconnect with that “why” can fundamentally change the way we experience the game.

5 Prompts for On-Court Reflection

If your wins aren’t feeling like enough lately, here are a few simple prompts from Coach Simon Moore that are worth reflecting on before your next match:

1. Why did I start playing pickleball in the first place?
2. What specific moments on the court bring me the most pure satisfaction?
3. What does success in pickleball actually look like for me right now?
4. Who has helped me along the way, and how can I pay that forward to newer players?
5. Am I purely chasing results, or am I genuinely enjoying the journey of improving?

Sometimes the answer isn’t about winning more. Sometimes it’s about remembering the reasons we stepped onto the court to begin with.

Pickleball has grown so quickly because it offers more than competition. It creates

connection, belonging, laughter, and the chance to challenge ourselves in a supportive community. When we reconnect with that bigger picture, the wins tend to feel more meaningful again.

And sometimes the most important win is simply helping someone else discover the game.

So, why do YOU play?

Simon Moore

PCYC Port Macquarie, Wauchope Tennis Club; Pickleball Ignite

Claim Your $200! Essential Deadlines for QLD Play On! Sports Vouchers

SEO Meta Description: Critical June 2026 deadlines for the Queensland Government's Play On! Sports Vouchers. Learn how local clubs can redeem $200 vouchers and register as activity providers.

The Queensland Government’s Play On! Sports Vouchers are actively helping children across the state get involved in the sports they love. By providing vital cost-of-living support for families, these $200 vouchers ensure that Queensland children of all abilities - from the city to the country - can enjoy the immense benefits of staying active.

To ensure your club and your families don't miss out on this funding, please review the critical action items and upcoming June 2026 deadlines from the QLD Government below.

3 Critical Action Items for Queensland Sports Clubs

1. Remind Families to Use Their Vouchers Before June 19

Many local families may still be holding unredeemed Play On! Sports Vouchers. State sporting organisations and affiliated clubs must actively remind parents and carers to present their vouchers before they expire on 19 June 2026.

Get the Club Promo Kit: To make this easy, the department has developed a ready-to-use amplification kit containing pre-written newsletter copy, social media content, and key messages.

🔗Access the Play On! Amplification Kit HERE

2. Beat the Rush: Redeem Your Club's Vouchers Early

Don't leave voucher processing until the final hour! Clubs are strongly encouraged to submit their gathered vouchers early. Early redemption helps you avoid end-of-program system pressure, drastically reduces administrative burdens in June, and ensures smooth, timely payment processing directly to your club.

• The absolute final deadline: All vouchers must be submitted for redemption by 5:00 PM on 26 June 2026.

3. Open the Doors: Register as an Approved Activity Provider

Is your club signed up yet? Some affiliated clubs are missing out on revenue because they aren't registered activity providers. Becoming a registered provider enables your club to accept the $200 vouchers directly from parents, making it much easier and more affordable for local families to participate. State sporting organisations are encouraged to promote this registration link to any eligible clubs yet to sign up.

🔗Register Your Club as a Play On! Provider

📅 Key Dates at a Glance

19 June 2026 – Last day for families to present Play On! Sports Vouchers to registered activity providers 

5pm - 26 June 2026 – Final deadline for activity providers to submit vouchers for redemption and government payment.

Kerrie Richards

Club Support, PAQ