Netting some great benefits for badminton
The Horsham community are embracing new opportunities that combine fun and community connection while playing badminton.
Developed by Badminton Victoria, Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly and Horsham Badminton Association, this Regional Badminton Revitalisation Program initiative was designed with community members from diverse cultural backgrounds in mind to try out the sport.
Held from September 2025 to March 2026, the 3 Come and Try sessions included a family festival atmosphere, with 60 beginners provided with a racquet each and training sessions with local coaches and a range of international dishes to snack on throughout the day.
Twenty of the participants have since become association members.
For many people of diverse backgrounds now living in the area, this program opened the door to their very first sporting experience —sparking joy, building confidence, and creating a sense of belonging.
Some of the positive feedback from the participants includes:
‘It’s my first time to play and I really enjoyed it. I thought it would not be for me but when I came and met the people, I felt I could do it and want to do it again.’
‘It’s really good for the kids but obviously for the dads too.’
Luke Dunn who is President at the Horsham Badminton Association explains, ‘We had a great Come and Try event. Everyone had fun, got a good introduction to badminton, and the level of community interest has surpassed our expectations.’
Community Engagement Manager from Badminton Victoria, Varshana Kumara Swamy said, ‘We couldn’t be happier with the turn out at the programs and it was been wonderful to work in partnership with the Wimmera Sports Assembly who supported community consultation and co-design of the program.’
She also thanked the club volunteers for all of their work to grow participation and connect community.
Badminton Victoria is one of seven organisations backed by Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Strengthening Regional Community Sport.
It’s designed to help bring organisations, clubs, leagues and associations in regional Victoria together to work on tailored, localised projects that remove barriers, create opportunities, support volunteers and increase participation.
The program is part of the Regional Community Sport Development Fund that is delivering infrastructure and programs to support more regional Victorian families and children to get involved in sport.
To find out more about this Regional Badminton Revitalisation Program initiative watch Horsham Badminton Come and Try Day.
To find out more visit our Workforce and Volunteers web page.