Originally published by Warragul Drouin Gazette June 6, 2026
Member for Monash Mary Aldred has welcomed Gippsland’s first wheelchair basketball pilot program after giving the sport a spin in Warragul.
Ms Aldred participated in Warragul Basketball Association’s free come and try sessions at Warragul Leisure Centre recently, joining locals of all ages and abilities.
The association has now begun hosting Wheelchair Hoops Warragul, a five-week pilot program, on Wednesday nights at Warragul Leisure Centre.
The long-term goal is for a permanent local program and entry of a Gippsland team alongside the likes of Frankston, Geelong and Bendigo in the Victorian Wheelchair Basketball League (VWBL).
“I congratulate Warragul Basketball Association for taking a significant step towards establishing Gippsland’s first wheelchair basketball team,” Ms Aldred said. “Locals can now play Australia’s fastest-growing disability sport within our region, instead of being forced to travel to Melbourne to take part.”
Warragul Basketball Association general manager Dave Thomas said the come and try sessions showed what’s possible – but the pilot program “is about building something that lasts.”
“Our ambition has always been to put a Gippsland team on the court at state level, competing in the colours of this community,” Mr Thomas said. “Wheelchair Hoops Warragul is how we get there, one Wednesday at a time.”
“Wheelchair basketball brings together people of all abilities to compete, be active, have fun and socialise together out on the court,” Ms Aldred said. “As a former chair of Gippsland United Basketball League, I’m passionate about promoting community sport and appreciated the opportunity to attend the come and try session for a spin; I had a ball.”
