This week is Rockhampton's cue to shine with the 2025 Budget Motels Australian Blackball Championships coming to the Region for the first time, thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Rockhampton Regional Council's Community Assistance Program (CAP).
The Blackball Australia Pool Association is hosting the championships with assistance from Round 1 of the 2024/25 CAP, which supports non-profit organisations' projects and events across six categories.
Mayor Tony Williams said Council was pleased to welcome the 10-day competition to the Region with the championships starting on Thursday, 13 March, and running until Saturday, 22 March, at the Rockhampton Showgrounds.
"As this is the first time any blackball event has been held here, this is a great opportunity for our Region," Mayor Williams said.
"Not only are we showcasing our facilities, with the Rockhampton Showgrounds the perfect venue for the event, we also get to welcome visitors who are keen to experience all that our Region offers.
"This will have a positive economic impact but hopefully makes us a strong contender to be considered for future cue events and championships."
Communities, Culture and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson said the championship, which has about 400 competitors, will feature several categories including singles, doubles, and teams along with an Indigenous Challenge match.
"This event is open to the public and is free to all spectators, so come down to the showgrounds and see all the talent on display," Cr Wickerson said.
"Held annually, this is the pinnacle event whereby players can become Australian Champions and can claim their place in the record books.
"All medallists will be documented by the World Pool-Billiards Association, the world governing body, as the official Australian Champions."
Blackball Australia Pool Association President Mark Cottingham thanked Council for supporting the event through CAP.
"We are very lucky to have the opportunity to bring our event to Rockhampton and I believe we will showcase to all cue sports what Rockhampton has on offer and other organisations will follow suit and consider Rockhampton for all major Championships," Mr Cottingham said.
"We are bringing the top players to Rockhampton from all around Australia to compete to become an Australian National Champion, we expect it will be the largest blackball event ever held in Australia to date.
"This funding has provided essential financial support with transporting all our equipment from Victoria to Rockhampton to enable our organisation to bring the event here.
"We want showcase our sport but also bring almost 400 players, plus family and friends, to the local area to explore the beautiful region over the 10 days of competition."
