The sport of pickleball has definitely taken off in a big way.
To help with the increasing number wanting to try this exciting new sport, a new facility was included in the recently unveiled Olive Donaldson Pavilion.
Situated at the Noosa District Sports Complex, McKinnon Drive, the pavilion facilities will support a number of sports clubs currently based at the complex.
Naming the pavilion after this great lady was indeed a fine gesture.
In doing so the community is acknowledging a person whose contribution was not on the sporting field, but behind the scenes training young swimmers, sponsorship of many awards and, in particular, as an advocate for women’s sports. She indeed left an indelible mark.
President of Noosa Pickleball Club Ron Gatliff said, “This facility will help to introduce pickleball to ever increasing numbers of interested locals. To have two dedicated courts with state of the arts surfaces is indeed a coup for our club.
“Our club’s annual general meeting will be held at the new facility on Sunday September10 right here.”
Pickleball was introduced to the younger generation with the Come and Try Day held last Tuesday at the Olive Donaldson Pavilion: it was a great success. Coaching is also taking place this term at the Noosaville State School, all facilitated by the members of the Noosa Pickleball Club.
Corporate and community groups are also trying the sport in a social format enjoying the fun aspect, which can quickly become very addictive and competitive. It is a sport that can be played by most, it is easily picked up and is available to all levels and ages, with many sessions being held through the week.
Another inviting aspect of the sport was well spoken by Mayor Stewart, “Pickleball is one of Australia’s fastest growing sports for over 55s, so we are thrilled to deliver a multi- purpose area that will accommodate two undercover pickleball courts, as part of the project.”
The new multi -purpose facility includes four changing rooms, a kitchen, six unisex toilets, storage space, first aid and umpire rooms and large multi- purpose area.
For more information on these sessions and free introductory lessions, jump on to the Noosa Pickleball website.
On an occasion such as this, the naming and opening of the Olive Donaldson Pavilion, I think it is only right that we take a moment of our time to reflect more on her other major achievement, her tireless work for the Tewantin Noosa RSL sub-branch.
Some time ago I was asked to write a piece on the background and history of the Tewantin Noosa RSL sub-branch: and was immediately introduced to Olive. On learning of my interest in Australian Military history, plus my families’ background of Gallopili, France and New Guiney, we were immediately on common ground.
After some time, she led me to the our local memorial adjacent to the RSL club. As we walked around, she then proceeded to give me information on many of the local names, names that are forever engraved on this shrine of Remembrance.
It immediately became obvious that here was a local lady, to whom all aspects of the local RSL were indeed a major factor in her life.
For Olive it started in her young years, for she was the daughter of one of the founders and a long- term president of the RSL sub branch. She was also a patron of the women’s auxiliary, having been involved with the organisation for more than 40 years. Add to this she was also a Councillor at the Noosa Council.
These are just a few of her many outstanding commitments. To have a Pavilion in a sporting complex named in her honour is without a doubt the least we could do for Olive Donaldson. To government, local council and all who worked to make this great tribute a reality, you have done our community proud.
Athletics
Once again, the members of our Noosa Athletics training squad have done us proud. A full report from head coach Mick Hooper keeps our community well informed.
“It has been a big week for our Noosa Athletics training squad. Competing at the recent secondary schools regional athletics trials, on Wednesday and Thursday of last week, all the hard work at training paid off with 11 of our members qualifying through to represent the Sunshine Coast at the Queensland Schools Track and Field Championships.
“These titles will be held in Brisbane in mid- October 2023.
“There were many personal best performances and the range of events that our squads qualified for, was one of the most pleasing aspects of the competition. We will have athletics competing in sprints, jumps, hurdles, walks and middle- distance events. This is an achievement that our club takes great pride in and we wish them all the very best when they take on Queensland’s best next month.
“Sunday was our first come and try session for the new Noosa Little Athletics season. We had 30 plus youngsters having a go at running, jumping and throwing all done with big smiles on their faces. This embraces Little Athletics motto of Family Fun and Fitness. This Sunday 10 September 11am to 1pm will be our second and final, Come and Try Day at Girraween Sports Complex the home of Little Athletics Noosa.”
Outriggers
The recent Maroochydore River races saw some good results for the Noosa crews.
This was a 17 km race from Bli Bli to the beach. In the mixed, our boat crew, steered by Tina Standish finished first. Tina’s team included Tina, Kate, Kasi, Simon, Tony and Tim. All five paddlers are novices with three having their first ever race.
A second Noosa team steered by Rainer Hopf and including Gena, Chris, Mary and Judy also placed well: as did our three Saturday man team of Viv, Don and Muz. Another reminder Saturday 9 September is our big Come and Try Day. Everyone is welcome to come to Chaplin Park between 8am and 10am to try outrigger canoe paddling. From recreational to racing they cover all aspects. Register at noosaoutriggers.com.au
The invitational system of Come and Try to encourage membership into new sports is, I am told, a great idea: sports such as pickleball, outrigger, little athletics and even surf boat rowing now make it a seasonal thing. Good luck to all.
Between the flags
With the 2023/24 season of surf lifesaving fast approaching, planning for the season ahead is well and truly under way. Beach patrolling, (which of course is our core business), and competition really gets the big push. In the world of competition Noosa Heads surf boat section is really off to a great start.
For starters the club has been successful in negotiation a sponsorship deal that has resulted in a new surf boat being presented, courtesy of Netanya. This is a good thing as surf boat racing is a team sport: one that will always create good club spirit and mate ship. So, a big thank you and a most sincere welcome to the Netanya.
Following up on this the boat section has received more good news.
A former boat sweep and coach is applying to have his membership renewed. To have this accepted would be, without a doubt, a doubleheader for the Noosa club. Not only is this young man one of the best boat sweeps and coaches in Australia but also, as his previous record proves, a highly experienced and respected patrol captain.
As patrolling is the centre of our core business, to have a patrol captain of such reknown is indeed very gratifying. Also, to have a clubbie of such standard coming home to Noosa would certainly put a smile on the face of the sponsors.
Away from the club he is a happily married schoolteacher. Having originally joined Noosa in 1997 and later leaving for family reasons, his club record is beyond reproach.
