Pickleball brings a new energy to Kaniva

Published on 09 September 2025

Kaniva residents swapped their racquets for paddles on Monday night as pickleball made its debut in town, attracting a mix of young people and seniors eager to try the fast-growing sport.

Ten community members participated in their first session, quickly learning the basics and familiarising themselves with the unique scoring system.

Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly Sport Development Lead Vedang Ovalekar said the session was a success.

“It was such a great evening seeing everyone get involved and excited to play the game," he said.

"Most participants now feel confident and are keen to keep playing.”

Participant feedback was equally positive, with one player simply saying, “I loved pickleball, it was great fun.”

Among the newcomers was Kim from the Kaniva Badminton group, who enjoyed the session so much she plans to introduce pickleball to her players at their Wednesday sessions.

The program has been made possible through the initiative of Amanda Munn and Carlee Feder from West Wimmera Shire Council, supported by Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly to help activate pickleball across the region.

The next Kaniva session will be on Monday, 15 September, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, with all equipment provided.

Kaniva is one of two towns embracing pickleball this month in the West Wimmera Shire.

Edenhope will also host sessions at the old basketball stadium on Thursdays, September 11 to 25 from 5pm to 7pm.