All Ages, All Seasons: Pickleball Proves A Hit In Tully

Age is no barrier: Dina Campagnolo (80), Louis Campagnolo (86), Louie Darighello (78) and Rita Pezzutto (80) enjoy regular pickleball games in Tully

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It’s recently been described as Australia’s fastest-growing sport – and Tully discovered the appeal of pickleball around five years ago.

What began with a small group of local tennis players looking for something to do when wet weather stopped play, has grown into the Tully Mission Beach Pickleball Club, with more than 50 members – including enthusiastic players well into their 80s.

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Current Club President Jenny Flegler said the group approached Cassowary Coast Regional Council about trying the new sport in the Igloo.  

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“They learned to play through no coaching, just by word of mouth and over the internet,” Jenny said.  

Edith Thomas became the club’s first president and, although now retired from playing, remains an active supporter.

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In 2025, the club moved to its new home at the Tully Showgrounds, a move involving considerably more than simply taking the nets and paddles down the road. Members raised money, applied for grants and worked with Council to develop the new playing space, including its dedicated court surface and industrial fans.

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“We’ve had to raise a lot of money ourselves and apply for grants,” Jenny said. “Council contributed, but we have a lot of people to thank, who put in a lot of work.”  

With the new home up and running, the invitation is open to everyone to give the game a go. The indoor courts mean year-round play while the smaller court and doubles format make pickleball accessible across the generations.

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“Four pickleball courts would fit into one tennis court if you turn them sideways,” Jenny said. “There’s not a lot of running in pickleball. So, at any age, you can play.”  

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While some members compete in Cairns and Townsville and travel to the outdoor club in Cardwell, social fun, friendship and fitness are at the heart of the club. Beginners are eased into the game, learning where to stand and move safely before joining regular play.  

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Saturday morning’s Come and Try session is a chance to borrow a paddle, hit a few balls and simply “see what it’s like”. For anyone wondering whether they’re too old, too inexperienced or not fit enough, Jenny’s message is simple: “It’s a very sociable sport, come and have a go.”

PICKLEBALL 101

The kitchen: It’s not where you make the tea. The “kitchen” is the area immediately beside the net, officially known as the non-volley zone. You can’t stand in it, or on the line, to hit a volley. If the ball bounces first, you can step in to play it.

The dink: A soft, controlled shot played just over the net into your opponent’s kitchen. The aim is to keep it low, making it difficult to attack. A well-placed dink can win the point.

COME AND HAVE A GO

Where: Pavilion 1 (Stan Mackay Building), Tully Showgrounds, Butler Street, Tully

When

• Monday: 5.30 - 7.30pm

• Tuesday: 8.30 - 10.30am – social session

• Wednesday: 5.30 - 7.30pm

• Saturday: 8 - 10am – Intro to Pickleball: Come and Try

• Saturday: 3 - 5pm

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Email: tullymissionbeachpickleball@gmail.com

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