Benefit Bendigo is thrilled to have supported the Bendigo Pickleball Club as Platinum Partners to help bring the very first national pickleball tournament to Central Victoria.

Known as the ‘Benefit Bendigo Gold Classic’, the tournament, held on 19 – 21 September 2026 at Red Energy Arena, was a phenomenal success. Twenty indoor courts were made available across the 3-day event, which welcomed 400 players to Bendigo, showcasing the very best pickleball talent on offer across the nation!

The event was professionally conducted by well-known and respected Tournament Director, Ms Amanda Moo and sanctioned as a Tier 2 tournament by Pickleball Australia.

The team from the Bendigo Pickleball Club had every base covered to ensure the success of the event. Red Energy Arena was decked out with banners and signage, a dedicated ‘medal presentation’ area, and a live-steam coverage provided by SupaTVacross the 3 days! And, as a special perk on Sunday night, the Club arranged a discounted meal at Bendigo’s Sporting Globe with live music from ‘Crazy Chester’, featuring the club’s very own Club President, Paul Henshall.

“I am delighted with how the inaugural Benefit Bendigo Gold Classic Pickleball Tournament played out. The Bendigo Pickleball Club is extremely grateful of the generous support of  Benefit Bendigo; their support enabled us to go ‘next level’ on many aspects of the Tournament, adding even more players and further enhancing the experience for everyone involved.  We have already booked Red Energy Arena for 2027 and we can’t wait to get the ball rolling to welcome players back to Bendigo next year.”Paul said.