The two-day event is likely to attract 50-60 competitors and officials. Competitors will come from the South Coast, Illawarra, Nepean region, Canberra and Wagga Wagga. Play will start at 9am on both the Saturday and Sunday, with the tournament wrapping up at 2pm Sunday.

John Lees, treasurer of the Goulburn Table Tennis Club, is looking forward to hosting the event. “The event will be the first of its kind for the Southern Region in NSW, and we are hoping to continue on with the Championships in Goulburn for years to come,” he said.

“The event has been made possible because of the quality playing facility we have established.

“With the tables, purchased this year through the help of donations and special non-slip vinyl flooring our club is the envy of many others. “

“It is one of the few clubs in NSW that has a permanent facility where we don’t have to set up the tables and score benches each time we play.

“It will also be a great opportunity for our local members to take part in a representative tournament in their home town.

“The championships is in its early stages of planning, but we are hoping to attract both A and B grade players.”

Mayor Bob Kirk commented on the continued development of Goulburn Mulwaree’s Sport Events calendar. “These partnerships between council and local sporting organisations have proven to be very successful, and I look forward to the Table Tennis Championships in October. The events are extremely beneficial for both our economy, and our sporting communities,” he said.

Based on Tourism Research Australia’s average sports tourist spends, it is expected this event will translate into an economic benefit of around $67,000. 

The Goulburn Table Tennis Club is located at the top end of Sports Way next to the Indoor Sports Centre at the Workers Arena Complex.

The club is open for training and practise on Friday nights from 7pm and on Sunday between 2pm and 4pm, and welcomes any new prospective members.