When Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert got a table tennis bat in her hand, you couldn’t get it away from her.
Julieanne took on local player Emma Widdup and juniors Trent and Erin Day and Oliver Hamelink to try out one of the new tables at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre.
Championship standard tables, nets, scoring boards and barriers have been purchased through a successful application to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, enhancing the centre’s standing as one of the best in Queensland.
“Of course once the bat was in Julieanne’s hand, a couple of games had to be played,” association president Janice Kent said.
“We would like to thank the Member of Parliament for her interest in our club and our sport and encouragement to continue to develop our facility.”
Janice said obtaining grant funding was paramount in maintaining a well-equipped community asset.
“Mackay Table Tennis continues to encourage people of all ages and abilities to give the sport a go.
“It is truly a sport that doesn’t discriminate against gender, age or ability and our table tennis community is continuing to grow.
“Mackay Table Tennis is a community sport with junior, senior and veteran numbers increasing all the time.
“If you think you would like to join or even return to the sport, we would love to see you at our hall.”
Janice said that following the purchase of new tables, the club had tables it would like to donate back into the community.
“Paying it forward is what community spirit is all about and even though we were successful in obtaining the grant and purchasing new equipment, others can also benefit.
“Help us find new homes – if you know of a community centre, sporting club or a charitable organisation that you think would benefit from having one of these tables, please contact me 0420 251 622.”
Julieanne Gilbert, right, had plenty of table tennis advice from players, from left Geoff Denman, Oliver Hamelink, Steven Whiting, Emma Widdup, Steve Mathieson, Trent and Erin Day, Donna Abbott and Janice Kent when she visited to inspect new tables provided through a government grant. Photos: Charlie Payne
Julieanne Gilbert takes on junior Oliver Hamelink, as players Erin Day, Emma Widdup, Janice Kent, Donna Abbott, Steve Mathieson, Trent Day, Steve Whiting and Geoff Denman watch the ball
