Northern Grampians Shire Council spotlights Pickleball as popular activity

Northern Grampians Shire Council has advised that following the success of an introductory Rock Up to Pickleball session at St Arnaud, the latest sporting phenomena is set to continue.

Northern Grampians Shire Council’s Thrive 50+ Healthy Ageing Hubs team will host ongoing pickleball sessions at St Arnaud Sports Stadium on Wednesdays at 10am.

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. The sessions are free of charge and all equipment is supplied.

It can be played in singles or doubles format, but the big draw is the ease at which a new player can pick up the game.

Mayor Karen Hyslop said the come-and-try event was well-attended, with plenty of interaction between participants and enthused “It was great to see people of all abilities and fitness levels come along and give pickleball a go.

“A couple came along just to watch, due to existing injuries, but they were able to participate and loved it.”

Mayor Hyslop said organisers had received great feedback from participants, including from Tracey who shared “I wasn't sure my knees would be able to cope with the game, but I felt really good and had so much fun.

Linda said she also enjoyed the rock-up event adding “I had physio on my leg the day before and thought I'd just pop in to see what the hype was all about. I loved it. I played and felt great."

Mayor Hyslop advised that council had introduced the casual pickleball sessions at St Arnaud following the successful introduction of the sport in Stawell, through a partnership between council, Pickleball Victoria and Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly.

Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre continues to host casual pickleball sessions on Tuesday mornings between 10am and noon, Thursday afternoons between 5pm and 7pm and Saturday mornings between 9:30am and 11:30am.

Sessions are $5 per person and bookings are not required. Council is also investigating the possibility of a formal competition in the region, at Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Image. Enjoying the first Rock Up to Pickleball event at St Arnaud are, from left, back, Linda, Tracey, Terence, Jane, Lisa and Caleb; and front, Kim, Sheryl, Marie, Rose, Lea and V. Credit: Northern Grampians Shire Council