Delfina Hocking
What first inspired you to work in tennis?
Del first became involved in tennis when she was raising young children. She was invited along to play and quickly fell in love with the sport. She spoke about how difficult those early years of motherhood can be and how tennis gave her something for herself – a place where she felt happy, connected and fulfilled outside of being a mum.
Del has now been involved in tennis for almost 60 years. “I’ve actually been playing tennis now for 59 and a half years.” Over the years, tennis has taken her all across North Queensland, including Townsville, Weipa, Moranbah, Rockhampton, Ayr and Home Hill.
She also proudly shared that she was recently awarded Life Membership from Home Hill Tennis Association. “That was a very proud privilege and an honour to accept.”
How long have you been a volunteer in tennis and what keeps you coming back?
Del estimates she has volunteered in tennis for decades, particularly through her involvement in Home Hill tennis since 1994. While she has helped in many ways over the years — including working in canteens at events and running fundraising activities — she says the last 11 and a half years running social tennis has been her biggest contribution.
What keeps her coming back is the people and the routine of being involved every Friday. “The ladies that come to play for me are so very, very loyal.” She says her tennis group regularly checks in with her if she can’t attend, which means a lot to her. “I say to myself, well, I’ve been going to tennis every Friday for a long time. What else would I do? I just love being over there.”
What do you love most about the sport?
For Del, the best part of tennis has always been the friendships and community connections built through the sport. She describes tennis as “a sport for life” and reflected on how the game has changed dramatically over the years — from wooden racquets to modern equipment and facilities. Del still has her very first wooden racquet stored away in the shed.
She also shared special memories of travelling to the Australian Open for the first time in 1988 after saving money for two years to make the trip. “I’ve seen all the oldies, but I’d like to see the newies.” Even now, she still follows the modern game and wanted to see players like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka play live.
Why do you volunteer and what’s the most rewarding part?
Del says volunteering is rewarding because she knows she is helping keep tennis alive in her community. “This is very rewarding for me.” Over the years she has also used tennis as a way to give back through fundraising and community support. For around 20 years, Del organised Cancer Council morning teas through tennis and used money collected from her famous “Mad Cow Tin” — where players were fined for swearing — to donate to both cancer charities and local families in need across Ayr and Home Hill.
“I’ve donated a fair bit of money to cancer and I try to find a needy family in the Burdekin.” She would often donate several hundred dollars at a time to families doing it tough. Although she has now stepped back from the fundraising due to declining numbers and the passing of many long-time players, she says it meant a lot to her.
Kate Casswell
What first inspired you to play or work in tennis?
I first played tennis because my friends played. I had started teaching and it seemed like a fun thing to do together. I met my husband Col at tennis. Together, we were very much about giving back to the community. My parents always volunteered their time to community groups and my father's motto was "You only get out of life what you put into it". I think in small regional areas like Home Hill, community sports clubs are really important. They are the thread of the community, and they make living in small places wonderful for families.
How are you currently involved in the tennis community?
I am currently the secretary, grant writer and administrator, run Monday Tennis fixtures, part of group that organizes pickleball, assists the coach on coaching day, and oversee the running of the Sugar Bowl and Cane Country Cup team events. I am also a qualified referee and work at Junior Development Tournaments.
How long have you been a volunteer in tennis, and what keeps you coming back?
I started volunteering in 1988. I've made a lot of lifelong friends through volunteering at tennis, I've seen some great success stories like Adam Walton, but just as important are all the regular players who have fun and do their bit for the club.... whether it's cleaning the toilets, helping to lock up and walk out with you so you aren't last to leave, or updating the defib.
What do you love most about the sport?
The camaraderie and lifelong friendships that it brings. The Sugar Bowl event each year is a highlight.
Is there a moment, event or person that has really stuck with you throughout your journey?
I can still remember playing Sugar Bowl with my daughter Hannah on Court 6 in Ayr against Lyn Campbell and her mum Joan Baillee. Joan and Lyn were great players. Hannah was probably 13 at the time and was helping the team out by playing. Hannah's determination and consistency carried us to a 6-5 win. I think we maybe won the Sugar Bowl that year and getting my name engraved on that trophy was definitely a great memory. Since I didn't start playing until I was 24, in a sport that's hard to learn, I see that as a highlight.