Almost 450 pickleball competitors from across Victoria, other Australian states, and overseas will gather in Ballarat this Australia Day long weekend for the Central Highlands Pickleball Classic. This event, held at the Ballarat Regional Tennis Centre, marks the start of the Victorian leg of the Bush to Bay Rally Series and highlights the rapid growth of pickleball in the region.
A Major Sporting Event Spotlighting Ballarat’s Facilities and Community
The Central Highlands Pickleball Club, one of Ballarat’s fastest expanding sports organisations, is hosting the largest pickleball tournament ever seen in the city. Bringing together participants of all ages and abilities, the Classic promises an energetic weekend filled with competitive matches and community engagement. Organisers aim to position Ballarat as a prominent regional hub for significant sporting events through this tournament.
Pickleball participation continues to grow rapidly across Victoria, and the Bush to Bay Pickleball Tournament reflects this momentum,
said Hannah Handreck, the tournament coordinator and Ballarat’s lead coach.
The Classic offers a professionally delivered yet inclusive event, welcoming both first-time competitors and experienced players alike.
– Hannah Handreck, Tournament Coordinator
Handreck also expressed excitement about Ballarat hosting its first tournament on this scale, providing a platform to showcase local talent and the city’s sporting infrastructure.
International and Local Competitors Expected, Bolstering the Region’s Economy
The event will attract players from metropolitan and regional Victoria, as well as international participants hailing from countries including Canada, China, and New Zealand. At least 50 players will represent the Central Highlands Pickleball Club, which includes competitors as young as 14 years old. The tournament’s timing over the Australia Day long weekend is anticipated to increase patronage for Ballarat’s accommodation providers, cafes, and hospitality businesses.
Overview of the Bush to Bay Series Across Victoria
The Central Highlands Pickleball Classic is a key part of the Bush to Bay series, comprising six officially sanctioned tournaments held throughout Victoria. Following Ballarat, the series will continue with the Victorian championship scheduled for March 6-9, then proceed to Warrnambool in June, Pride and Paddles in Melbourne later that month, Gippsland championships in Traralgon in August, and the Frankston Centenary Tennis Club Pickleball Open.
Encouraging Community Participation and Healthy Lifestyles
Handreck emphasises that the tournament’s purpose extends beyond competition, focusing on inclusiveness, fostering community spirit, and encouraging active living throughout the Central Highlands region. Residents of Ballarat and surrounding areas are invited to attend, observe the matches, and discover more about pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide.
