by Peter and Brenda Quaife
Gateball was launched at Tamborine Mountain, in the Gold Coast hinterland, on Saturday 19 September 2009. The Tamborine Mountain Croquet Club held a “Come and See Day” to introduce Gateball to the local community.
Teams from Broadbeach, Southport and Ipswich shared their time and skills to demonstrate the game and explain the basics to local visitors. Many of these visitors also participated in games mentored by experienced players. We were also fortunate to have three experienced players from Rockhampton who now reside locally and hopefully will be able to play with the Tamborine group. Bruce McAlister, the State Director for Gateball was also able to attend and offered support for the fledgling club.
As well as the visiting teams the local Member for the Scenic Rim Regional Council (SRRC), Councillor Derek Swanborough attended and participated in two games. The Tamborine Mountain Croquet Club received a grant from the SRRC to purchase some Gateball equipment for which they thank the Council.
The weather was perfect, the assistance from all visiting players was fantastic, the camerardie that pervades this sport was evident and, all in all, a fantastic day was had by all. Some of the local visitors have expressed an interest in participating in Gateball and others that we have spoken with, who could not attend the day, have also expressed interest.
Thank you to all who made this day an outstanding success.