Sport
4 March, 2026
First open day in 100th year
INNISFAIL and District Tennis Association launched its milestone year with an Open Day last month, which attracted more than 25 children and their families despite sweltering heat and humidity.
Young players took to the courts to try tennis, while some joined adults for a hit of pickleball.
Coaches Libor Konicek and Ron Neyenhuis kept the courts buzzing, offering tips to juniors and guiding newcomers through the fast growing sport of pickleball.
The club also acknowledged the efforts of volunteers Phil, Sandra, Barry, Kathy and Margaret, along with Trent Baptiste who manned the barbecue.
The event was a warm-up for the club, which will celebrate its centenary on 17 May from 10am. The day will feature a display of historical memorabilia, including photographs, newspaper clippings, old minute books, shields and trophies, along with a cake cutting and the launch of a commemorative book. Special edition pens and mugs will also be available for purchase.
The club has a proud history of nurturing talent. Tennis star John Patrick Smith, now 37 and ranked 40 in the world in men’s doubles, once competed in IDTA junior tournaments. Cricket standout Ben Dunk also left his mark early, winning the IDTA 12 and under boys’ singles title after defeating Smith in the final.
The association also held its AGM in January, with Barry Anderson re-elected as president, Rhonda Valmadre as vice president, Phil Miskin as secretary and Margaret Tinney as treasurer. Committee members for the 2026 – 2027 year are Kathy Martin, Tony Snell, Kerry Spollen, Bradley Sultana and Logan Lizzio.
Regular fixtures continue throughout the week, with doubles on Mondays at 7pm, social pickleball on Tuesdays from 5-7.30pm, and social tennis on Wednesdays at 8.30am and Thursdays at 7pm. Coaching for juniors and adults of all abilities is available by contacting coach Libor on 0435 060 264.
The club is a registered activity provider for the Play On! program, enabling eligible families to access Fair Play vouchers of up to $200 to support children aged 5–17 years with membership and participation costs.
Recognised as one of Queensland’s leading tennis clubs, IDTA has twice been named Queensland Club of the Year, in 2009 and 2015.
To stay up to date with events, programs and centenary celebrations, visit the Innisfail and District Tennis Association Facebook page.