9 July 2012 | Tennis Queensland

In early July, a group of over 30 tennis players from New Zealand visited North Queensland.

Joyce Wallace of Mackay Tennis Association co-ordinated the visit to Mackay.  “We all had a great day!  Everyone mixed well and enjoyed each others’ company, playing tennis, sharing morning tea and lunch”, said Joyce.

Some of the Mackay players later hosted a bus tour for the visitors.  The group visited Cape Hillsborough, as well as one of the oldest hotels in the area – Leap Hotel – known locally for the story of the Aboriginal lady who jumped off the cliff with her baby to avoid being arrested – the baby survived.  They mixed with the locals, playing pool and darts, before some more sight-seeing and a visit to Mackay Harbour.  According to Joyce, “they were very interested in how sugar grows, platypi, and the Hay Point Coal terminal was another hot topic”.

The NZ tennis group then headed north to Townsville to spend the weekend with Townsville Veterans players.  Pauline Shield organised the Townsville visit, and said, “We had a great weekend, commencing with afternoon tea on Saturday, followed by some tennis.  Then it was off to the West End Hotel for dinner.  They enjoyed the meal so much that they re-booked for Sunday night as well.”

“On Sunday morning, four of our Vets joined their bus and showed them the sights around Townsville with morning tea at The Heritage Tea Rooms and lunch on the Strand.  Castle Hill and the Reef Aquarium were also on the list.  A few played tennis again in the afternoon while we made coffee and tea for the others.  Although the weather was windy, we were blessed that the rain held off. 

They mentioned they would like us to come over to NZ.   We will see what happens with that,” said Pauline.