19th May 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
National wheelchair basketball is heading to Bendigo, with the Victoria Wonders set to launch their 2026 Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League (WNWBL) campaign on Friday May 29 at 7:00pm.
Round 1 of the WNWBL will see the Victoria Wonders split fixtures across Bendigo and Keilor, with the opening games providing an exciting opportunity to showcase elite wheelchair basketball in regional Victoria.
The Bendigo round marks another exciting phase in the continued growth of wheelchair basketball across regional Victoria, while also creating a special opportunity for local athletes to compete close to home on the national stage.
The round carries extra significance for the Wonders, with local Bendigo athletes Shelley Matheson, Kim Hampton and Harriet Caldwell all set to represent Victoria during the opening weekend.
Bendigo also hosted the opening round of the inaugural Victorian Wheelchair Basketball League in 2025, continuing to strengthen the region’s growing connection to wheelchair basketball and inclusive sporting opportunities.
Matheson said the chance to play WNWBL games so close to home is a special moment in her career.
“I’m excited for an opportunity to play National League games in Bendigo, so close to my hometown, having never done so in my 20 seasons playing in the WNWBL,” Matheson said.
Basketball Victoria Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Wheelchair Basketball, Elliott Knight said the round represented an important opportunity to continue building visibility, connection and participation across the state.
“It’s fantastic to see national wheelchair basketball showcased in regional Victoria and to continue building meaningful opportunities for athletes, communities and associations to connect with the game,” Knight said.
“Bendigo has already shown a genuine commitment to growing wheelchair basketball through their participation in the Victorian Wheelchair Basketball League and other community programs, and we’re excited to continue building that momentum through the WNWBL.”
The final games of the round will move to Melbourne’s west, with Basketball Victoria also thanking Keilor Basketball Association for supporting the event and hosting the Sunday fixtures at Keilor Basketball Netball Stadium.
Fans and supporters are encouraged to come along and support the Victoria Wonders across an exciting opening round of WNWBL action.
Round 1 Fixture
Game 1 – Friday May 29, 7:00pm — Bendigo
Game 2 (3x3) – Saturday May 30, 12:30pm — Bendigo
Game 3 – Saturday May 30, 1:15pm — Bendigo
Game 4 (3x3) – Sunday May 31, 11:15pm — Keilor Basketball Netball Stadium
Game 5 – Sunday May 31, 12:00pm — Keilor Basketball Netball Stadium
-Ends-
For all Media Enquiries:
Maree DeGeorge
Media & Communications Specialist
Basketball Victoria
maree.degeorge@basketballvictoria.com.au
0499 851 266
