In Short

• When & Where: Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March 2026 in Barellan, NSW
• Something for Everyone: Ten sports are on offer, including tennis on the Goolagong courts, triathlon, 3x3 basketball, and the crowd-favourite cattle team sorting.
• Low Cost, High Impact: Entry is just $25 plus sport levies, with all proceeds—over $200k to date—going back into Barellan community projects.

For the 276 residents of Barellan, the end of February marks the biggest weekend of the year. For the over-35 athlete, it marks the perfect excuse to find those old tennis shoes and see if the "white line fever" still burns as bright as ever.

The 2026 Barellan Masters Games are officially set to run from February 27 to March 1, bringing together athletes from across the Riverina for two days of competition that balances fierce rivalry with country hospitality.

Now in its 13th year, the event is a significant fundraiser for the small wheat town, having poured more than $200,000 back into local infrastructure and school programs.

Competitors in the tennis events will have the honour of playing on the recently resurfaced courts named after local legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley.

The town’s connection to sporting royalty doesn't end there; the triathlon begins at the pool where Olympic icon Dawn Fraser once taught lessons.

Ian Goolagong, Evonne’s brother and a Wimbledon veteran himself, is a regular participant, proving that while the atmosphere is social, the pedigree is high.

The 2026 Games feature a diverse lineup of ten sports:

Saturday - The Barellan Run, Tennis (Singles/Doubles), Women's three on three Basketball, Mixed Touch Football, Cattle Team Sorting, and the new Mixed Tee-ball. The night concludes with Lawn Bowls under lights.

Sunday - Triathlon, six-a-side Cricket, Netball, and Tennis Mixed Doubles.

Golf will be held separately on Sunday, February 11.

Organiser Carl Chirgwin emphasizes that the Games cater to all skill levels.

"The social aspect is as important as the sport, but once the white line fever hits, everyone wants to get a medal," he said.

Stories of resilience are common here.

Griffith’s Lachlan Date, the 2024 "Master Blaster," is returning to defend his crown after recovering from a broken leg.

Meanwhile, 68-year-old Cheryl Rawle remains a force to be reckoned with on the tennis court, proving that strategy often beats speed.

"I'm a bit slower but I can still play with people's heads," she laughed.

Registration is straightforward - a $25 flat fee covers your participation, with small additional levies per sport to cover insurance and officials.

For Hay residents planning the trip, individual entries are welcome, if you don’t have a full team for netball or touch football, the organisers will find a squad for you.

Registration is available online at www.barellanmastersgames.com or via email.

For those who prefer to decide on the day, cash and card registrations are accepted at the Barellan Sports Ground from 7:30 am on the Saturday of the event.