Gisborne is set to welcome a new level of sport in 2026, with the Volleyball Victoria State League coming to the Macedon Ranges for the first time.
Introduction of state league competition marks a major milestone for the growing volleyball community and will see the region not only develop its own athletes but also host clubs from across Victoria.
Teams from across the state will travel to Gisborne for two of the rounds, giving the Macedon Ranges the opportunity to showcase its community, facilities and sporting culture on a broader stage.
The competition will feature both men’s and women’s teams across state league and premier league levels, significantly lifting the profile of volleyball in the region and providing local players with a clear pathway to elite competition without leaving their community.
A strong show of local representation, the Macedon Ranges will field three state league teams in the 2026 season — a Women’s State League 2 team, a Women’s State League 3 team, and a Men’s State League 3 team.
While the arrival of state league marks a step up in competition, the Macedon Ranges volleyball community continues to stand out for its strong focus on inclusion and participation.
At local training sessions, it is not unusual to see teenagers training alongside parents and older adults, with many families sharing the court together.
Club representatives say this unique environment is one of the program’s greatest strengths.
“We have mums returning to sport and training alongside younger athletes who are developing their skills and confidence,” MRVA president Monique Faulkner said.
“Seeing parents and their children playing together creates a really supportive and connected environment, which is something quite special.”
Volleyball participation across the Macedon Ranges has surged in recent years, with both the local women’s competition and social leagues now at full capacity, reflecting strong demand for accessible and inclusive sport.
The addition of state league pathways is expected to further strengthen the sport’s growth while maintaining the community values that has driven its success.
Beyond competition, the program is playing an important role in supporting women and girls in sport, encouraging lifelong participation, and creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to stay active.
The club would also like to acknowledge and thank its valued local club sponsors — Bentleys Accounting, Goodyear Tyres Sunbury, and The HappBee Place, as well as state league sponsors Tankworld and Elliott Safety for their ongoing support.
On match days, The HappBee Place will be on-site with a community marquee, providing a barbecue along with food and beverages, helping create a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere for players, spectators and visitors.
As the 2026 season approaches, excitement is building not only for the level of competition that will be on display but for what it represents for the region.
For Gisborne and the wider Macedon Ranges, the arrival of state league volleyball is more than just a sporting milestone — it is an opportunity to bring the community together, attract visitors from across Victoria, and showcase the strength of local sport on a bigger stage.
