Pickleball all the rage with new competition in works
Published on 27 March 2025
Caption: Pickleball has become a popular pastime in Stawell. Northern Grampians Shire Council is looking to launch a formal competition and is calling for expressions of interest.
Northern Grampians Shire Council is investigating the launch of a formal Pickleball competition in Stawell – a first for the region.
Pickleball is a mix of tennis, table tennis and badminton played on a badminton-size court with a paddle and a small, perforated plastic ball.
It is one of the fastest-growing sports in Australia, with many Stawell and district residents participating in a social competition following a successful come-and-try day in July last year.
The come-and-try day, at Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre, SSAC, was instigated through a partnership between the council, Pickleball Victoria and Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said following the success of the come-and-try event, which attracted more than 40 participants, the council launched a short-term social Pickleball program.
"The people who tried their hand at the game quickly noticed the benefits,” she said.
"It is low-impact physical exercise, the sport is easy to learn, suitable for any age and is simply a lot of fun. Some people enjoy the competition aspect, while others play primarily for the social benefits."
Pickleball Australia Association executive officer Brendan Lee said the sport could be played in singles or doubles format, but the big draw was the ease at which a new player could pick up the game.
He said he believed underarm serves and small courts made it more a game of chess than an athletic contest.
Cr Hyslop said the council's social pickleball program – which was free for anyone who wanted to participate and ran for 16 weeks – was well-attended.
Since then, SSAC has been offering casual Pickleball sessions for $5 a person on Tuesday afternoons from 10am to 12pm, and Thursday afternoons from 5pm to 7pm.
More recently, Pickleball has also been running on Saturdays from 9.30am to 11.30am.
"The competition takes place from the comfort of the indoor basketball court,” Cr Hyslop said.
"It's wonderful to see the sport taking off in our own backyard given it is perfect for people of all ages.
"I've watched a few matches myself and have seen the enjoyment it brings people from all walks of life, despite their physical abilities, background or exposure to playing sport in the past."
The emerging popularity of SSAC's Pickleball program has led to council investigating the opportunity of rolling out the sport in St Arnaud and other locations in the shire.
Cr Hyslop said it had also spurred momentum for launching a formal competition.
"There are several social players coming every week who are wanting a try a formalised competitive program now they understand how the game is played," Cr Hyslop said.
"This would be the first of its kind in our region."
Cr Hyslop urged anyone interested in participating in a formal Pickleball competition to fill out an online expression of interest form.
"The beauty of the sport is that it's extremely social and easy to play, there are no barriers to picking up a bat and ball and giving it a go,” she said.
"We have juniors through to people in their twilight years participating and playing together, which is a fantastic result given the program is still in its infancy in our shire.
"Even if you're yet to give the game a try, if you are considering participating, we would love you to fill out a form."
People can click here to fill out an expression of interest, which includes nominating preferred days and times should a competition come to fruition.
People can call (03) 5358 0550 for more information.
Registrations close at 5pm on Sunday, April 27.