In 2024, the Victorian Government funded Healthy Loddon Campaspe and launched the Active Stadiums project in the region.
The project had two main goals, centred around engaging existing recreation spaces for target demographics.
The first was to increase the use of Campaspe Shire’s stadiums in Echuca, Tongala and Kyabram, which were well-utilised after school hours but saw limited use during the day.
The second goal was to engage demographics within the shire that weren’t already involved in formalised sport.
One of the programs supported by the project was Pickleball Power, run by Wayne Muschialli.
Muschialli, known as ‘Roo’, is a former dual Victorian Football Association premiership player with Williamstown and has become an ambassador for pickleball in the Goulburn Valley, including running sessions in Cobram, Nathalia and Bamawm.
The Active Stadiums project worked with Muschialli to establish regular sessions at the Echuca Basketball Stadium, covering the costs of equipment and stadium hire for the first half of 2024, with underspend used in term three.
Beginning with one session a week, the program has flourished and Pickleball Power now runs three regular sessions a week at the stadium — on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays — and is entirely self-sufficient.
The Active Stadiums program also initiated seniors strength sessions in Echuca, parents and bubs programs in Echuca and Tongala and a disability sports program in Kyabram.
It also funded promotional material aimed at informing the community of the availability of Campaspe Shire stadiums.
“We were thrilled to pilot the Active Stadiums Program in collaboration with Campaspe Shire back in 2024,” Healthy Loddon Campaspe co-ordinator Alicia O’Brien.
“The initiative was designed to offer residents, regardless of their fitness level, an accessible and affordable way to be active and we’re delighted to see it has remained a popular choice within the community.
“Healthy Loddon Campaspe activations aim to prioritise sustainability, so it’s really pleasing to see Campaspe Stadiums and Pickleball Power continue to lead the program in 2025.”
District pickleballers are also enjoying the addition of new line markings for the sport at Echuca East Recreation Reserve.
The lines allow players with their own equipment to engage in social play free of charge.
Pickleball Power runs sessions at the Echuca Basketball Stadium from 1.30pm on Mondays, 7.30pm on Wednesdays and 7pm on Fridays. All equipment is provided.
Find more information on the Pickleball Power Facebook page and stay tuned to The Riv for more on pickleball in Echuca.
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