October was one for the history books. Badminton Geelong turned 80, we hosted our first ever Geelong Closed tournament and we opened the doors at our new home at Tarratarra Stadium. Here’s everything you missed.
Happy Birthday, Badminton Geelong!
It’s been a big month for Badminton Geelong, celebrating its 80th anniversary on October 3. A celebratory dinner and presentation was held in the Betty Sapwell Lounge to mark the occasion. The inaugural Geelong Closed Tournament was held earlier in the day as part of the festivities (see the next report).
To help mark the occasion, a video presentation featuring long time Badminton Geelong (or Geelong Badminton Association, as it was formerly known) members and players was screened. A booklet outlining the history of the organisation was also made available to attendees as a memento.
The booklet revealed the date the then Geelong Badminton Association was formed: a meeting of six clubs on Wednesday 29 May 1946 at 8pm. The occasion was reported in this notice in the Geelong Advertiser on Friday 31 May 1946:
BADMINTON. GEELONG ASSOCIATION. At an inaugural meeting attended by delegates from clubs from Christ Church, Congregational Church, Unity Club, Y.W.C.A., Legion of Ex-Servicemen, and C.Y.M.S., it was decided to form a Badminton Association in Geelong. The following office-bearers were elected: President, Mr Bowden; vice-presidents, Messrs Eddy and Brook-Ward; secretary, Miss Stephensen; treasurer, Mr K Forbes. Interested organisations and sporting bodies are invited to attend the next meeting to be held at the Legion of Ex-Servicemen’s clubrooms, Malop Street, at 8pm on Wednesday, June 12.
Geelong Advertiser, Friday 31 May 1946
Badminton Geelong anniversary tournament
The inaugural Geelong Closed tournament was held on Saturday 3 October in honour of the 80th anniversary of Badminton Geelong.
The tournament aimed to bring the community together, with a graded draw welcoming juniors and adults at all levels. More than 50 players registered.
A new era for BG at Tarratarra
What a start! The opening at the new Tarratarra Stadium was an absolute blast. Tuesday 13 October 2026 marked the start of a new era for Badminton Geelong, spreading its wings to the south of the city.
We had great numbers through the doors, and it was so good to see new faces playing alongside our regulars. Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make it such a special night.
This was a big moment for our club. After 80 years of badminton in Geelong, we now have a home in the south too, and our very first day was buzzing. Now let’s keep that energy going. We have regular sessions for socials and coaching every week.
Another honour for Mike
Our own Mike Simpkins was named a finalist for Coach or Fitness Leader of the Year at the 2026 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards. Nominated by Badminton Victoria, this state level honour recognises everything Mike pours into our club and our community.
For those who have trained with Mike, this will come as no surprise. His commitment to Badminton Geelong is unwavering, and his belief that badminton should be for absolutely everyone has made our courts a more welcoming place for players of all abilities.
The impact of that work reaches well beyond our club, into the wider badminton and disability sport community across Victoria. While he didn’t win, we could not be prouder to have him in our corner.
Bree gets posterised
Our own Bree Wright featured in the promotional material for the 2026 Victorian Para Badminton Championships, held on Sunday 25 October 2026 at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre in Albert Park.
Bree came away with gold in the WH1/2 Doubles and silver in the WH1 Singles. Congratulations Bree!
Luke keeps winning
The 2026 Australian Air Badminton Championships Team Event was held on Saturday 29 August 2026 in Nathan, Queensland. Our senior Player of the Year Luke Chong won all his men’s doubles matches to help his team, Team 80s, to the win.
Well done Luke, and keep the Badminton Geelong flag flying.
