Rockhampton Pickleball

19/06/2026

This week at Rocky Pickleball we welcomed year 12 Emmaus College along to the courts where they put their pickleball skills and training to the ultimate test for their IA3. This meant they had to challenge local pickleball legends to doubles matches.

Pickleball provides a dynamic and accessible context for students to demonstrate how scientific understanding of the body translates into improved sporting performance.

The IA3 focuses on performance in physical activity with a specific focus on energy, fitness, and training principles. Students explore the physiological demands of pickleball, including the contribution of different energy systems during the short, high-intensity rallies and the sustained match play. By analysing game performance, fitness component testing, heart rate and GPS data, students justify and evaluate decisions that align their training program to their individual energy and fitness needs for pickleball.

The seniors put up a fair fight but were ultimately no match for the experienced tactical minds of the seasoned players. A big thanks specifically to Karyl, Barry, Sharon, Ben and, Bevan – for their expertise, time and in giving our students this opportunity.

18/06/2026

31/05/2026

🏓ROCKY PLAYERS BRING HOME THE MEDALS AT QPT MACKAY! 🏓

What a weekend for our Rockhampton Pickleball players, with medals flowing across multiple divisions at the QPT in Mackay!

A big shout-out also to our sister club players who partnered with our Rocky competitors, and to those who regularly join us on our courts. You all represented yourselves and our club brilliantly!

🥇 Gold Medal Winners
• Karyl Young & Leanne Hogan – 50+ Women’s Doubles DUPR 3.5–3.99
• Jen Rogers & John Sleaford – 19+ Mixed Doubles DUPR 3.5–3.99
• Ben Buckley & Ben Reimers – 35+ Men’s Doubles DUPR 3.49 & Under

🥈 Silver Medal Winners
• Karyl Young & Wayne Hanrahan – 50+ Mixed Doubles DUPR 4.0+

🥉 Bronze Medal Winners
• Deidre Timlin & Ben Buckley – 35+ Mixed Doubles DUPR 3.49 & Under
• Sarah Cooling & Jen Rogers – 50+ Women’s Doubles DUPR 3.5–3.99
• Wayne Hanrahan – 19+ Men’s Singles DUPR 3.5–3.99
• Gordon Watson & Jamie Duncan – Open Men’s Doubles

Congratulations to all players who competed. Whether you stood on the podium or battled it out on the courts, you represented yourselves and Rockhampton Pickleball with pride.

28/05/2026

🏓 ROCKY REPRESENTING AT MILP! 🏓

What a weekend in Yeppoon for the MILP competition, with several of our Rockhampton players battling it out on the courts, and walking away with the coveted “Golden Ticket”! 🎟️ (No… not the one W***y Wonka was searching for 🍫😂)

This Golden Ticket earns them the opportunity to head to the Sunshine Coast in August to test their skills against some of the toughest hitters and most talented players around! 🔥

So… what exactly is MILP, you ask? 🤔

👉 The D**k Minor League Pickleball (MILP) is sweeping across Australia with its exciting, social and innovative Team Event format.

Teams are made up of 4 players, 2 women, 2 men, Each player has an individual DUPR rating, and when forming a team, the 4 players’ ratings are combined to create a total team DUPR. Teams are then placed into divisions based on their combined rating.

Each game is played to 21 points in the exciting format, bringing men and women together on a level playing court.

A massive congratulations to all of our Rocky players (Amy, Ryan H, Jordan, Anne-Louise, Wayne, Ben R, Matt, Sarah)who competed over the weekend. Your hard work, determination and teamwork were on full display and for those who got the golden ticket….we can’t wait to see you take on the Sunshine Coast in August! 👏

Also, a huge congratulations to our neighbouring club players who joined forces with our Rocky players and competed so well throughout the weekend!

25/05/2026

Let’s battle it out on the courts Thursday! 🏓
TEAM QLD for me💪🏼

23/05/2026

VOLUNTEER WEEK - Janine Chadwick 📣🎉

Last, but certainly not least, we’d love to shine the spotlight on one of Rockhampton Pickleball’s quiet and caring contributors… Janine Chadwick. 👏🏓

Janine is one of those beautiful people who never seeks attention or recognition, but whose kindness and willingness to help never goes unnoticed. She quietly gives her time to support our club, always happy to lend a hand wherever needed and always doing so with warmth and humility.

Behind the scenes, Janine does an incredible job managing all of our club’s social media and online presence—helping keep our members informed, our community connected, and sharing all the fun and achievements happening around the courts. It’s a role that takes time, care and consistency, and Janine does it all so seamlessly.

Around the courts, she also brings such a calm and friendly presence. She’s welcoming, thoughtful, encouraging, and the kind of person who helps make everyone feel comfortable and included. Whether it’s helping behind the scenes, supporting club events, or simply showing kindness to those around her, she plays such an important part in creating the wonderful community spirit we’re so proud of at Rockhampton Pickleball.
Volunteers like Janine are the heart of clubs like ours… the people who quietly give back simply because they care.

Janine, thank you for your generosity, your support, and for being such a valued part of our pickleball family. Your contribution, no matter how quietly given, makes a real difference and we appreciate you more than you know.

And to make today even more special… HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Janine! 🎂🥳 We hope your day is filled with love, laughter, and all the happiness you so generously bring to others. What a perfect day to celebrate not only all that you do for our club, but also you.

Rockhampton Pickleball is lucky to have you. 💙👏🏼

21/05/2026

📣 Last but not least for….VOLUNTEER WEEK - TIM RAWKINS 📣

Around the courts you’ll often spot Tim giving up his own time on a Thursday night helping new players learn the game, always patient, encouraging and happy to share his knowledge of pickleball. In between balancing family life with his two beautiful girls, Tim still finds time to jump on court when he can, often helping our tournament players prepare by training alongside them. No matter the night, you can count on Tim for a smile, some fun banter and a positive attitude that makes everyone feel welcome.

We thank you Tim for the time and energy you give to our little club. Even though you can’t play full time, your contribution never goes unnoticed and we truly appreciate all that you do for our pickleball community!