Welcome to the monthly Newsletter of Petanque Australia, the governing body for petanque in Australia. 

February has been a bustling month for Australian pétanque, with a range of club tournaments, state championships, and precision shooting qualifiers taking place across the country.

One of the highlights of the month was the Coonawarra Classic Clash. This event saw 192 players come together for a competition that not only showcased top-level pétanque but also provided a lively and sociable atmosphere. The tournament was set in one of Australia’s premier wine regions, adding to the festive spirit and making it a memorable occasion for all involved.

As this update goes to print, Apollo Bay is preparing to host its annual tournament. With the support of a PA Development Grant, three new pistes have been constructed, allowing an additional 18 players to take part. Players are enjoying pétanque against the backdrop of Apollo Bay’s beautiful beachside scenery, further enhancing the tournament experience.

This year's Easter National Championships have attracted a record number of singles entries, prompting the addition of another venue and more pistes to accommodate the increased participation. Special thanks go to Club De Pétanque D’Adelaide, Eastern Suburbs and Novar Gardens for their valuable support in making these arrangements possible.

While most events are filling quickly, some still have limited spaces available. Interested players are encouraged to check availability and register soon.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.mypetanque.com/register.htm.

Registrations will close on 20^th March.

As I wrap up this month’s update, I’d like to extend my best wishes to the Australian team as they prepare for the 2026 Trans-Tasman Challenge. For further details about the challenge itself, please see the featured article later in this edition.

Do keep enjoying your pétanque,

Regards,
Roger Maddern
President
Email: president@petanqueaustralia.org.au

Trans Tasman History

The Trans Tasman this year will be held at Mt Martha Petanque Club on March 21/22.

The idea of a regular competition between the Australian and New Zealand Petanque Federations was first discussed at the Monaco World Championships in 2001 (Presidents Andre Deramond and Graeme Morris).

The first event was held in Melbourne at the Melbourne Petanque Club in Middle Park between open teams of 6 players and New Zealand won.

Since then, the event has been held annually – see the results sheet below – and has grown to 24 players in each team across men’s and women’s open and 60+ divisions in singles, doubles and triples.

Over the history of the event, New Zealand has been the stronger performer.

For a very comprehensive set of results including all player names, have a look at the page on PNZ’s website at https://www.petanque.nz/representation/trans-tasman.html

You can also have a look at the PNZ YouTube page for some games from 2016 at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg2bO6sgfLc0cqPfEYEUTksCtWLJ3s6Qp

Whilst we are looking at the history of events, lets take a look at the Australian Championships.

The Australian championships date back to 1985 when there was an interstate competition at the Melbourne Petanque Club (just after the formation of the Australian Petanque Federation).

In 1986 another interstate competition was held at the Geelong Petanque Club, followed by another interstate competition at Preston Petanque Club in Victoria in 1987.

In 1988 the first Australian Championships were held at the Social Club of Petanque in South Australia.

In 1989 the Australian Championships were held at Wollongong in New South Wales.

In 1990 it was at Preston Petanque Club in Victoria.

Through the 1990's:

91 Sydney Petanque Club

92 Wollongong French Association of NSW

93 Melbourne Petanque Club

94 Social Club of Petanque in South Australia

95 France Petanque Club in New South Wales

96 Melbourne Petanque Club

97 Club de Petanque Adelaide in South Australia

98 in Brisbane.

The early Championships were all Triples only.

The next and 36th(?) Australian Championships will be held for the sixth time at Novar Gardens Petanque Club in South Australia over the coming Easter period.

These days the Championships include Singles, Doubles and Triples.

The PA Interstate Challenge is heading west this year and will be hosted by the Subiaco Club on 28 and 29 August.

The great volunteer team at Subiaco is looking forward to welcoming State League Teams and their supporters in August.

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