The Bendigo Pickleball Club is proud to announce that Benefit Bendigo has become the inaugural naming rights partner of the 2026 Bendigo Gold Classic, Central Victoria’s first major regional pickleball tournament.
 

To be known as the 2026 Benefit Bendigo Gold Classic, the partnership brings together one of Bendigo’s fastest-growing sporting communities with a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to strengthening the Greater Bendigo region by supporting local projects and programs via grants, sponsorships, advocacy and connections.

Bendigo Pickleball Club President Mr Paul Henshall said the partnership was an important step in establishing the Bendigo Gold Classic as a signature sporting event for the region.

“We are delighted to welcome Benefit Bendigo as the first naming rights partner of the 2026 Benefit Bendigo Gold Classic,” Mr Henshall said. “This tournament represents a major moment for pickleball in Central Victoria, and having a community-focused partner alongside us reinforces exactly what we want this event to stand for — participation, inclusion, regional pride and genuine benefit for Bendigo.”

Benefit Bendigo Chair Mr Tim Rodda said the organisation was pleased to support an event that will bring people together and generate positive local impact.

“Benefit Bendigo exists to support local clubs and community groups fund projects that create positive outcomes for our region,” Mr Rodda said. “The 2026 Benefit Bendigo Gold Classic aligns strongly with that purpose; it will drive visitation, encourage participation and showcase Bendigo as a place where community, sport and local enterprise work together.”

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Benefit Bendigo

Benefit Bendigo is a not-for-profit organisation who, together with Bendigo Bank, exists to improve the lives of people across Greater Bendigo.

We do this by providing donations, grants, sponsorships, connections and advocacy to charitable or not-for-profit organisations/clubs (including sporting clubs), community groups and projects that make our region stronger, fairer and more vibrant.

For more information about the objectives of Benefit Bendigo, how you can support them, and how you can get involved, visit their website at: https://www.benefitbendigo.com.au