Six Zero Pickleball, a Sunshine Coast-based business, has been named the 2025 Australian Export Award winner in the Emerging Exporter category. The Bokarina company earned this accolade for its rapid growth and significant success in international markets within just three years.
From Garage Startup to Global Exporter
Founded in 2022 by Dale and Dr. Tanya Young, Six Zero Pickleball began as a family-run operation in a home garage. Since then, it has developed into a global brand, exporting more than 9,500 pickleball paddles monthly to over 100 countries such as the United States, Japan, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Approximately 95 percent of its sales are from overseas, supported by more than 200 wholesale partners worldwide.
The Australian Export Awards, the country’s longest running business awards, recognized Six Zero’s exceptional export achievements as part of their 63rd program.
Local Support and Community Focus Drive Success
In presenting the award, the Member for Fisher highlighted Six Zero’s impressive evolution. Mr. Wallace said,
“Six Zero is yet another Sunshine Coast local business doing fantastically on the world stage.”
Dale Young reflected on the company’s journey, stating,
“We’re very proud to be from the Sunshine Coast and to have our headquarters here,”
and added,
“In just three short years we’ve gone from running the business out of our garage to exporting to more than 100 countries. This award is recognition of the hard work of our team and the support of our community.”
Dr. Tanya Young emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and community engagement:
“We’re one of the few companies in the world doing genuine innovation in pickleball equipment,”
she said.
“We develop our prototypes and next generation paddles here on the Coast, and we’re also passionate about supporting grassroots clubs and giving back through community partnerships and charities.”
Growing Workforce and Future Prospects
Six Zero now employs 25 people globally and continues to expand its presence internationally. Its headquarters remain on the Sunshine Coast, making the company a significant local employer and exporter. The recognition from the Australian Export Awards reinforces its position as a leading business in the emerging export sector, with promising opportunities for further global growth and community involvement.
