News

PANSW Pickle Juice newsletter

Published Mon 16 Feb 2026

Love Is In The Air at Culburra Beach

Siblings Tricia Hales and Kathy Thompson chose Saturday 14 February, aka Valentine's Day, to share the love of pickleball.

After seeking all approvals and keeping our ever-growing local facebook numbers informed of progress, we finally had our first Come & Try day on Valentine's Day. With close to 80 locals turning up, we couldn’t have been happier with the response.

A huge shout-out to our Regional Ambassador, Ray Zoccoli, who was a great support in assisting with getting the volume of people on and off the court, whilst giving a brief run-down on how to play.

A lot of fun and laughs for everyone, and enormous enthusiasm to start our weekly sessions. Everyone was mixing with people they hadn’t seen for years, even though they all live around the corner. Social connection is one of the many positives of playing pickleball.

Onwards and upwards from here.

Tricia Hales first started playing pickleball a few years ago in Sydney with PIP group at Putney. Having moved to Culburra Beach a year ago, there was no pickleball. The challenge was accepted!

Kathy Thompson, a local for over 20 years, and now a new convert to pickleball!

Well done Tricia and Kathy. Great Ambassador - Ray Zoccoli. Keep up the great work.