Victoria Park Leisurelife Centre

“Great social sports competitions on week nights run by great people and (mostly 😂) great referees. Been playing here for over 10 years and it has by far the best run comps and refs of any of the many venues I've played at.”

“I’ve been a consistent user of Vic Park Rec Centre since 2016 for social badminton. Of my 10 years of attending the facility, last Sunday (21 September) saw my first negative encounter at the centre that left our group quite shocked. Our Catholic youth group had booked 3 courts for 3 hours to play social badminton. From the beginning, I felt the receptionist (Tasma) was unwelcoming and blunt. There was a spare court set up and not in use, a few attendees from our group warmed up in the area as we were the only ones in the facility at the time. We appreciate this was not the correct thing to do and apologised for using the additional court. However, the way it was addressed by the receptionist was unprofessional and disrespectful. As we left the court, she remarked, “Jesus never taught you guys to steal courts.” This was unnecessary and discriminatory. Worse still, when some members arrived later in the session, they were greeted at the door with a comment along the lines of, “are you part of the Catholic youth group that stole a court?” These individuals hadn’t even stepped onto a court yet, so it felt like an uncalled-for attempt to mock and embarrass them. I accept responsibility for the small mistake our group made, but the handling of the situation, especially the religious remarks, was unprofessional and disappointing. After nearly a decade of positive experiences at this centre, this was a real letdown. While I will continue to use the facilities, I felt the need to provide this feedback as I will not tolerate religious discrimination, especially towards the younger members of our community.”

“The Social Pickleball session on Sundays 3-6pm that is advertised as family friendly for all ages and levels is not. If you are a beginner or want to bring along children, don’t. You will not be welcomed by the players and community. It is not an inclusive environment. Totally understand that some people may not want to play with children, and if that is the case, the session should not be advertised as a social family friendly session. Very disappointing behaviour and comments right in front of the children where adults outwardly said they didn’t want to play with children. Also told by another member that the children and mothers watching the children that we were not to sit/stand at various spots even though that is where the designated seating is. No attempt from the organisers to include the kids and beginners. If you are new to pickleball or have children who are interested in pickleball, the 3-6pm Sunday ‘social family friendly’ session is not where you want to be.”

“My brother went there to play badminton and rode his bicycle. Unfortunately, he forgot to bring his lock, so he asked the staff if he could keep his bicycle at the counter for safekeeping. The staff refused and told him he had to leave it outside and that it was not their responsibility. After he finished playing and came back outside, his bicycle was gone. He was crying and begged the staff to check the CCTV footage, but they told him the cameras were not working and offered no help. I’m quite certain that stores are not allowed to operate with broken security cameras. This was extremely disappointing, and the lack of support and responsibility shown by the staff reflects very poor service.”