If you're a parent in Bairnsdale, this one's for you. We wanted to introduce ourselves properly and share what we're building here in our town.

Who We Are

We're local parents who, like many people in our community, recognized that Bairnsdale needed more for young people and decided to be part of the solution.

ESports Collective is more than a gaming venue. We're a purpose-built community space located at 58 Macleod Street in Bairnsdale where young people aged 8 and above can develop digital skills, build confidence, and make genuine social connections through gaming. Open Monday to Saturday from 12pm, we provide premium gaming equipment in a safe, welcoming environment built on respect and inclusion.

Our Mission: Gaming With Purpose

We believe gaming has untapped potential as a pathway to developing real-world skills and social connections. In East Gippsland, where opportunities for young people can be limited (especially for young people not involved in traditional sport), we're changing perceptions about gaming by showing how it can be a positive, social activity that builds confidence, teaches digital literacy, and creates community when done in the right environment.

What We Offer

We're creating a supportive, low-pressure environment where young people practise social skills through activities they genuinely enjoy. Our explicitly neurodivergent-friendly space welcomes every young person, celebrating different perspectives and abilities as strengths. Whether helping shy kids find their voice or building communication abilities that transfer to school and other life situations, we ensure all kids can participate fully and authentically.

Drop-In Gaming - No booking required during regular hours. Young people can visit Monday through Saturday from 12pm to access premium gaming PCs, consoles including PlayStation and Xbox, sim racing rigs, and tabletop games in a safe, social environment.

Birthday Parties - Celebrate in style with our birthday party packages. We provide the space, equipment, and atmosphere for memorable gaming celebrations that take the stress out of hosting.

ESports Club - Running 4-5pm daily, this program brings the same group of young people together each week to build friendships while developing gaming skills, teamwork, and strategy. Play will be casual in Term 4 as we establish our community, with plans to expand into a competitive league in 2026.

Social Circle - Running 1-3pm Monday to Friday (weekends too if there's demand). This program is designed for neurodivergent young people—with or without NDIS funding—but it's open to everyone. We're using gaming to create genuine social connections and help participants build confidence and communication skills. Attend on your own, with a support worker, or tap into the peer support network we're building.

Educational Offerings - Beyond gaming, we're building pathways to practical skills:

• Ignition Project: Virtual learn-to-drive software on our sim racing rigs helps young people build confidence and road awareness before getting behind the wheel

• Be Connected: Digital literacy support for community members of all ages

• Work Experience: Opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in gaming, technology, community management, and customer service

• Supported Work: Employment opportunities for NDIS participants with a passion for gaming who may need a little extra support in a work environment

As community support grows, we have plans to expand with a free roam VR arena and a break-out room featuring arcade machines and a pool table, creating even more ways for young people to connect and have fun.

Why Your Support Matters

As a regional small business, we rely on local support to continue providing these opportunities for Bairnsdale's young people. Here's how you can help:

Visit Us - Bring your children to experience what we offer, or encourage your teens and young adults to come independently. Many parents have been surprised to see their quiet child light up in our environment or their gaming-passionate teen engage in structured skill-building.

Spread the Word - Tell other families about us. Many parents don't know these opportunities exist right here in Bairnsdale.

Consider Us for Celebrations - Our birthday packages provide memorable experiences with built-in supervision and entertainment.

Support Our Vision - We're creating sustainable community infrastructure for the next generation. Your patronage helps us continue this important work.

Questions? We're Happy to Chat

We understand parents may have questions or concerns about gaming. We welcome conversations about screen time, online safety, and how gaming can be part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle for young people. We're not encouraging endless gaming at home; rather, we're providing a structured, social environment where positive behaviour is modelled and young people can develop in healthy ways.

Our space includes quiet areas, flexible lighting, and low-pressure zones for young people who need sensory-friendly environments. Whether your child is shy, socially confident, new to gaming, or an experienced player, we've designed our space to welcome them.

Get in Touch

We'd love to meet your family and show you what we're building in Bairnsdale. Drop in during our open hours, reach out with questions, or visit our website to learn more.

ESports Collective
58 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale
Monday-Saturday, from 12pm
Ages 8+

Contact:
Phone: 0499 330 836
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.esportscollective.com.au

Together, we're creating something meaningful for our region's young people. We're transforming gaming passion into real-world potential, one young person at a time.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. We look forward to welcoming your family to ESports Collective.

Deryck Wills
Owner, ESports Collective
(with plenty of help from my wife, Anna)