Port Stephens Pickleball Club Inc was thrilled to welcome Mayor of Port Stephens Leah Anderson to Tomaree Netball Courts on the morning of Friday 15 May 2026. Despite an overcast sky, the atmosphere on the courts was warm, energetic, and full of community pride as members turned out in force to welcome their Mayor.

Mayor Anderson spent time on the courts meeting players and coaches, reviewing the club's story and vision, and experiencing firsthand the energy that has made Port Stephens Pickleball Club one of the fastest-growing sporting communities in the region. From just 5 players meeting in a side room at Nelson Bay PCYC in 2019, the club has grown to 200+ members and now ranks as the 13th largest pickleball club in NSW and 32nd in all of Australia — a remarkable achievement for a club that operates entirely from borrowed courts with no permanent home.

The morning was more than just a session on the courts. Members from across the club came together to show their Mayor what community sport looks like when people are passionate about what they do. A pop-up pickleball apparel shop run by club members Trudie and Will added a festive touch to the morning, with players browsing between games.

Port Stephens Pickleball Club Inc looks forward to welcoming Member of Parliament Kate Washington to a special Skills & Drills session on Thursday 11 June 2026 — the next chapter in the club's growing relationship with its elected representatives. We are grateful to Mayor Anderson for giving her time to our community, and we look forward to continuing to grow the sport of pickleball across Port Stephens.