Over the past week, Table Tennis Victoria has had the pleasure of visiting eight regional associations across the state - reconnecting with volunteers, supporting clubs, and continuing to strengthen the foundations of country table tennis. 

Noah, our Events & Marketing manager set out on a regional road trip last Wednesday which included visits to Terang, Warrnambool, Orford, Portland, Hamilton, Warracknabeal, Horsham and Daylesford - eight communities that continue to play a vital role in the Victorian table tennis landscape. 

Strengthening Local Clubs 

A key purpose of the visit was to provide direct, face-to-face support to regional committees and volunteers. At each club, we introduced and distributed Table Tennis Victoria’s new Community Club Sporting Governance Kit- a practical resource designed by Regional Sports Victoria to help associations strengthen their governance, improve compliance, and build sustainable club structures. 

The Governance Kit includes guidance around: 

By delivering these resources in person, Noah was able to walkcommittees through how the tools can be implemented locally, answer questions, and tailor advice to each club’s circumstances. 

Strong governance is critical to ensuring clubs remainviable, inclusive and well-positioned for growth. These visits reinforced that regional volunteers are deeply committed to their communities and eager for practical support. 

Listening to Regional Voices 

Beyond resource sharing, the road trip provided invaluable insight into the unique challenges and opportunities facing regional table tennis. 

Common themes included: 

Importantly, these conversations allow Table Tennis Victoria to better align its strategic planning with on-the-ground realities. Direct engagement strengthens relationships, builds trust, and ensures regional voices are embedded in statewide decision-making. 

Celebrating 100 Years of History 

Each club was also presented with a copy of A Smashing Success – 100 Years of Table Tennis in Victoria, recognising their place in the rich history of our sport. 

This gesture was more than symbolic. Many regional associations have been operating for decades, powered by generations of volunteers. Sharing the Centenary history book was an opportunity to acknowledge that contribution and reinforce that country table tennis is not peripheral to Victoria’s story -  it is central to it. 

The pride shown by clubs when receiving the book was a reminder that connection to history strengthens identity, belonging and community spirit. 

Supporting Participation Growth 

Several clubs expressed enthusiasm about growing their involvement in statewide initiatives, including renewed interest in events such as the Country Championships. Face-to-face engagement plays an important role in reducing barriers to participation and strengthening confidence to re-engage with state-level opportunities. 

By investing time directly in regional communities, Table Tennis Victoria continues to: 

Looking Ahead 

Regional Victoria remains the heartbeat of our sport. The passion, resilience and dedication shown by volunteers across Terang, Warrnambool, Orford, Portland, Hamilton, Warracknabeal, Horsham and Daylesford is inspiring. 

This road trip reaffirmed that when we invest in relationships, provide practical tools, and celebrate local history, we build stronger clubs - and stronger communities. 

Table Tennis Victoria remains committed to ongoing regional engagement and will continue working alongside our country associations to ensure table tennis thrives across every corner of the state.