With the 2025 Sugar Bowl—Queensland’s premier regional tennis event—just around the corner, excitement is building both on and off the court. For locals, the tournament represents more than just a competition: it’s a celebration of community pride, connection, and resilience.
“It gives something to the people in our town, in our district, and it brings them together through physical, social and emotional activity,” says Home Hill Tennis Association (HHTA) Secretary, Kate Casswell.
The HHTA, founded in 1932, has seen many generations of families pass through its doors, each adding their own chapter to the rich history of the Sugar Bowl.
The Casswell family is a prime example, with multiple generations involved over the years. Col Casswell, who passed away in 2021, was deeply passionate about the Sugar Bowl, a love he passed down to his children.
Today, each of Col’s kids has their own team, and Col’s Crew—now captained by former local Brett Wheeler—is proudly one of the 42 teams competing in this year's Bowl. There are 16 captains that hail from Burdekin and feature iconic local names like Woods, Hanson, Davies and Vidler just to name a few.
Kate says it’s her way of giving back, “I volunteer my time here for the community, because we’re such a small, regional town that we don’t have all the facilities and services that you’d have in the city.”
The Sugar Bowl was created in 1981 by Pat and Lex Anderson and was launched to celebrate the HHTA’s 50th anniversary. Now in its 44th edition, the Sugar Bowl has since become a symbol of both sporting excellence and the unwavering spirit of a small regional town. Sadly, Pat passed away in January, so we dedicate the 44th edition to her.
"Her granddaughters Lisa and Janae are making a come back this year and I can just feel Lex and Pat’s pride in seeing them play and that the event is still going strong," said Casswell.
But, as well as locals, the Sugar Bowl has long drawn in participants from all corners of Queensland—and even further afield—with some in it to win it, while others relish a chance to catch up with family and friends in the community.
“We have lots of teams that have friends and family here, and so they use this as a great reason to come back and visit their family and friends,” says Kate.
The event is back in town this weekend from 8 am and will see 42 teams go head-to-head to win it all. The rules have been relaxed over the years to allow the over 55s to take to the court for just one session and for those with work or other commitments to play a couple of sessions.
As well as hundreds of participants, this year’s Sugar Bowl is set to bring locals and visitors together once again, reinforcing its role as a highlight of the region’s sporting and social calendar.
There is a special bonus this year, with the official opening of the upgraded amenities on Saturday at 7.45 am.
On Sunday evening from 5-10 pm there will be live music, pig on the spit as well as the raffle being drawn. The committee is hopeful that the whole community will get down to the club to enjoy the weekend.
What: 2025 Sugar Bowl (Tennis)
When: 3rd-5th of May
Where: Home Hill Tennis Association
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