Hervey Bay thanked Coral Deeth, who is standing down as Club Secretary at the AGM in November. Coral has served with dedication for six years after joining the club in 2019.

Soon after she took up the role, COVID required Coral to navigate changing regulations and requirements. She has since focused on welcoming new and existing members, keeping everyone informed, completing many grant applications and helping the club recover from Cyclone Alfred’s damage to infrastructure. Coral was recognised as Croquet Australia Volunteer of the Month in January. Hervey Bay thanked her for her contribution and wished her many happy games ahead.

The Christmas function was followed by presentation of Club Awards. Ricochet 2025 Singles winner was Ken Clarke, with Janet Pool runner up. Ricochet Doubles winners were Jenny Campbell and Kaye Bain, with Di Fechner and Angela Blackwell runners up. Golf 2025 Div 2 Singles winner was Anthony Berne, with Jenny Campbell runner up. Div 3 Singles winner was Barry Stephenson, with John Totman runner up. Doubles winner was Andrew Russell, with Janet Neisler runner up. Jump Shots winner was Graham Stocks, Most Improved was Owen Capon, Hoop in One winner was Barry Stephenson, and Jaws winner was Anthony Berne.

Again this year the club worked with Uniting Care to identify community members needing support at Christmas. Members donated food, household essentials, gifts, treats and vouchers for groceries and back-to-school expenses for two families, a single mother with two daughters and a single father with five children under ten.

David Lee MP, Coral Deeth, Club Patron Ted Sorensen and Club President Anthony Bern.

Hervey Bay members enjoying the Christmas Quiz.

Both families responded with heartfelt thanks. Club members were grateful for the chance to take part in the true meaning of Christmas.

By Kay Giles, Hervey Bay. From the Croquet Newsletter, January/February 2026, pages 20-23.