Burleigh Heads Palm Beach celebrated the 50th anniversary of the club being located at Palm Beach on 12 December, with cake and croquet. Special guests included Leon Rebello MP, Herman Vorster MP, Councillor Josh Martin, Mary McMahon, Vice-President Croquet Queensland, and benefactors Nick and Nic from Ingwersen & Lansdown Solicitors. All came as newcomers, but left with the croquet bug.

Councillor Josh Martin supported the club in securing a discretionary Council grant of $1,845 to buy three competition-grade mallets for members. Leon Rebello MP, Herman Vorster MP and Councillor Martin were first to try them, with Herman Vorster MP scoring a hole-in-one on his first attempt.

After speeches from guests and a short history of the game from Life Member Andy Hallinon, two commemorative cakes were shared, one for 50 years at Palm Beach and one for 26 years at Burleigh Heads, where the club started in 1949.

The club also recognised the croquet achievements of Dave Luxmoore. Dave was presented with a framed photograph of himself in his State blazer, along with his long list of achievements to date. It now hangs proudly in the clubhouse.

Dave Luxmoore, a humble champion.

Each financial member received a new shirt as thanks for their patronage. The shirts reflect the club colours and history, including the club logo and establishment.

Burleigh Heads Palm Beach members in their new club shirts.

At the annual Christmas lunch, outgoing President Malcom Campbell and continuing Golf Captain Dot Davidson presented awards to Julie Edwards, Most Improved female player; Greg Hay, Most Improved male player; Lachlan Krmic, Special Encouragement Award; and Joy Manning, most number of hole-in-ones.

Julie Edwards, Greg Hay, Lachlan Krmic with Dot Davidson, and Joy Manning.

The club also thanked Malcom Campbell after three years as President, and welcomed Ann Rawding to the role. Julie Edwards succeeded Ken Thompson as Treasurer after his eight years of service. Burleigh Heads Palm Beach wished fellow croquet players a happy-hooping year ahead.

By Holli Edwards, Burleigh Heads Palm Beach. From the Croquet Newsletter, January/February 2026, pages 5-7.