Croquet, community and a cuppa at Twin Rivers Croquet Club

But for many members, the club is about much more than the game itself. It's a place to catch up with friends, stay active, stay connected and enjoy time outdoors.

As Queensland Seniors Month (1-31 October) shines a spotlight on the importance of staying active and connected, Twin Rivers Croquet Club provides a great example of how community sport can foster friendship, belonging and wellbeing.

Nestled within Bedford Park, the club has become a valued community hub where members can enjoy the social benefits of sport while building lasting friendships both on and off the lawn.

At 86, member and Club Treasurer Bruce is a familiar sight around Twin Rivers. When he's not keeping an eye on the books, he's often out mowing the lawns, marking the lines and pitching in wherever he's needed.

These days he's one of the club's biggest supporters, but he admits that wasn't always the case.

"I remember seeing someone playing and I thought to myself, who would play that silly game? It's ridiculous," he laughed.

Like many members, Bruce soon discovered there was much more to the sport than he first realised.

Club Secretary Lesley says the game offers the perfect combination of gentle activity and mental challenge.

"I love the game itself. It's very simple and there's a lot of light exercise which gets you out into the sunshine and the open air and keeps the mind active," she said.

For member Coleen, the friendships and camaraderie are just as important as the game itself.

"We have a laugh and it's a little bit competitive if you want to be competitive. We pretend we're enemies, but we're not really. We're all just friends and we have an enjoyable day," Colleen said.

At its heart, Twin Rivers Croquet Club is about bringing people together. The club welcomes people of all ages and abilities, offering a place where friendships can grow, stories can be shared and everyone is made to feel welcome.

"You don't have to play croquet if you don't want to. You can come and just enjoy the social activities," Colleen said.

The club is set to become even more accessible and welcoming thanks to the construction of a new modular clubhouse featuring a kitchenette, meeting space and accessible toilet facilities.

Through our Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund, more than $200,000 was contributed towards the amenities component of the project, helping ensure the club can continue providing a welcoming space for people to connect, stay active and enjoy the friendships that come with being part of a community club.

The club's welcoming approach is reflected in the message members have for anyone thinking about giving croquet a try.

"Get out here, get your flat shoes on, bring your bottle of water and come and enjoy the game. Young and old can come along and join in. It's lovely," Lesley said.

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