Josie O’Connell takes Kawana Tennis Club to Supreme Court

A member banned from a Queensland tennis club after she allegedly ‘created a hostile environment’ has challenged the decision.

Brisbane Supreme Court in the Brisbane CBD. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

A Sunshine Coast tennis club has become embroiled in a Supreme Court saga after they revoked the former club president’s membership over behaviour that allegedly “created a hostile environment”.

The court proceedings were brought forward by Josie O’Connell against Kawana Tennis Club Inc in the Supreme Court of Queensland late last month, after she learnt her membership was cancelled.

Ms O’Connell, a former president of the managing committee at the club, had her membership cancelled in December 2024 due to complaints over her behaviour.

According to the decision handed down by the Supreme Court, the club alleged Ms O’Connell “created a hostile environment” though “disruptive conduct during matches, verbal abuse, and the use of intimidating and offensive language”.

“You engaged aggressively and inappropriately with other members and the coaching contractor while facilitating payment of social tennis fees. This confrontational behaviour created discomfort and concern among members and staff,” the document stated.

A Sunshine Coast tennis club has become embroiled in a Supreme Court saga. Picture: Supplied.

However, the documents state Ms O’Connell never received the email notice telling her of the membership cancellation.

Instead, Ms O’Connell claimed in the documents she was issued with a “verbal notification” from the police that she could be charged with trespass if she continued going to the club.

Supreme Court Judge Helen Bowskill declared the club management committee’s decision to terminate the membership of Ms O’Connell was void and ordered it be set aside.

“Given my finding, that the applicant was not notified, and given a full and fair opportunity of presenting her case, prior to the decision to terminate her membership,” Justice Bowskill said.

The Kawana Tennis Club management committee told this publication they had amended procedures in response to Justice Bowskill’s decision.

“While we fully respect the court’s ruling and have since taken steps to correct the identified error, we have also implemented measures to ensure all future processes are procedurally robust, transparent, and aligned with our governance responsibilities,” they said in a statement.

“It is important to state unequivocally that the court’s decision related solely to process and not to the merits of the committee’s decision or the specific details of the underlying behaviour that led to the disciplinary action.”