Coolangatta looks to another strong year and a clubhouse renewal

Coolangatta is looking ahead after a successful 2024 that included winning the Gold Coast Tweed Regional Golf Pennants Competition. The club hopes 2025 will provide just as many highlights. Several new faces joined the committee after the AGM in October, with Lyn Miller now President.

The annual topdressing of the courts was done from 5am the morning after the Christmas Party, quite an achievement for those who fronted up. Court 2 is looking great and the playing surface has improved significantly.

At the Gold Coast Tweed Regional AGM, Coolangatta members stepped up to regional committee roles, with Robert Smillie continuing as President and Gavin Clarke taking on Treasurer. Over Christmas, Robert Smillie has also been facilitating an Association Umpires Course for interested members from Southport, Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta Croquet Clubs, the first stage in becoming a referee.

Kathie Grant’s coaching sessions across Association, Ricochet and Golf Croquet were a highlight of 2024. Association and Ricochet sessions were held at Coolangatta, with Golf at Burleigh Heads, and the programme will continue this year. Gateball may be added if membership response supports it.

Coolangatta clubhouse.

For the third consecutive year, members will keep working to renovate the iconic 1954 purpose-built clubhouse on Crown Land. The building now has an irreparable asbestos roof, rotting stumps, original inefficient plumbing and electrical infrastructure, and flood-damaged cabinetry. Members are raising funds and applying for grants to make it safe, inclusive and accessible while preserving its historical architectural fabric.

Another 2025 goal is to wrestle back the Border Trophy, played with the State of Origin Rugby League series. After 16 years, Tweed Heads triumphed to win the event. Go the Maroons.

By Leanne, Coolangatta. From the Croquet Newsletter, January/February 2025, pages 18, 19.