Badminton Australia Appoints Stephen Hadlow as Para Performance Support Specialist

We are excited to welcome Stephen Hadlow to the Badminton Australia team!
Stephen brings valuable expertise and a passion for the sport, helping BA continue to grow and inspire the Australian para badminton community.
As BA’s Para Performance Support Specialist, Stephen will provide performance-focused support and expertise that will benefit athletes in the Para Badminton Falcons program as well as support BA in progressing and implementing strategic projects and initiatives identified in the LA28+ strategy.
“Having been connected to the para-badminton community through my previous role at Paralympics Australia, I believe BA is well positioned with exciting new opportunities to progress para badminton as a sport and drive future performance outcomes,” Stephen said.
“My work with Paralympics Australia involved a mix of applied skill acquisition support for Paralympic and high-performance coaches and athletes, as well as providing strategic insights and advisory support to multiple Paralympic sports and programs.”
Stephen’s diverse background in sport also involves applied sport science, coach support and research. He has worked with AFL Queensland, where he was involved in coordinating and delivering grassroots football programs for school students, as well as offering program coordination and physical conditioning coaching.
He also holds a PhD in sport science, specialising in skill acquisition, which is the science of optimising the design of learning/training environments to promote skill development in preparations for competitions.
“We are thrilled to welcome Stephen to BA as our Para Performance Support Specialist,” Badminton Australia CEO Tjitte (TJ) Weistra said.
“His expertise and passion for excellence will undoubtedly make a significant impact as we continue to strengthen and elevate our performance standards. We are excited for his contributions to the para badminton program, and we look forward to achieving more success on the badminton court.”

Badminton Australia appoints Lauren Collis as new Shuttle Smash Coordinator

Badminton Australia is excited to announce the appointment of Lauren Collis as the new Shuttle Smash Coordinator following a competitive recruitment process.

In this pivotal role, Lauren will lead the delivery of Shuttle Smash, Badminton Australia’s introductory participation program, with a particular focus on reaching currently underrepresented communities. This includes people with disabilities, new migrants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, women and girls, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

“I’m thrilled to join Badminton Australia as the Shuttle Smash Coordinator,” Lauren said.

“I’m passionate about growing sport participation and raising awareness, ensuring that sport is accessible to everyone. I look forward to working with an incredible team to share the joy of sport with all.”

Lauren’s enthusiasm for sport, both as a participant and spectator, led her to study Exercise and Sport Science at RMIT. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience in sports administration and programs, including badminton, pickleball and golf, with a strong emphasis on inclusion and diversity.

“Outside of work, I stay active in sport by playing footy, completing a VFLW season with the Darebin Falcons in 2024, and cheering on the Tigers,” Lauren said.

Badminton Australia National Participation and Para Manager, Sonia Gouveia welcomes Lauren to the role, stating “Lauren’s passion for making sport accessible is very evident, and her commitment to growing badminton makes her the ideal fit for this position.” Sonia said.

“We are confident that her experience, ideas, leadership and vision will play a key part in further developing the Shuttle Smash program, providing more opportunities for new players to engage with and enjoy badminton across Australia.”

Lauren will officially begin her role on Thursday January 9.

Read more on the Shuttle Smash Program: https://www.badminton.org.au/shuttle-smash/

announcement regarding entries for the VICTOR Oceania Individual Championships 2025

Australian players wishing to compete must submit an entry request via the following link: https://www.badminton.org.au/international-events-entry-forms/ 

Tournament Information: https://badmintonoceania.org/victor-oceania-mens-womens-team-championships-2025-2/

Entry deadline is January 14, 2025 (Please submit ASAP as requests received less than 24 hours before the deadline may not be processed).

For any queries, please email baentryofficers@badminton.org.au

Badminton Australia welcomes Peejade Cheng to the Board

Peejade is a Chartered Accountant and tax specialist with over 20 years of professional experience in major advisory firms and the transport and logistics industry.
An enthusiast of the sport he has represented Victoria at the junior level and competed in international tournaments. Peejade also has significant leadership experience within the badminton community, including a notable 15-year tenure on the Board of Badminton Victoria (BV) before joining Badminton Australia.
I am committed to elevating badminton within the competitive Australian sporting landscape. With my professional background and understanding of the sport at community and state levels, I look forward to working with all stakeholders to drive its growth.” – Peejade Cheng

Badminton Australia Constitution Update

At the recent 2024 Badminton Australia Annual General Meeting, an updated Constitution was passed.

The new Constitution aligns with the Australian Sports Commission’s Sport Governance Principles, Sport Integrity Australia’s National Integrity Framework Policies and the National Gender Equity in Sports Governance Policy.

It also provides for a new Vice President role and greater alignment with Badminton Australia’s committees, offering further structure to the governance of Badminton Australia led by the Board.

Earlier this year, Badminton Australia commenced the independent review of its Constitution to ensure it was in line with up-to-date governance standards and policies required of national sporting organisations.

The updated Constitution builds on the progress Badminton Australia has made to its governance in recent years, including new sport integrity policies, a refreshed structure of committees and the appointment of two new Board members to bring relevant diversity and experience to continue driving the organisation forward.

“The updated Constitution ensures Badminton Australia is well placed to drive the future direction and growth of badminton in Australia, with the finalisation of a new Strategic Plan for 2025+ to be released shortly.”  – Badminton Australia President, Julie McDonald

Junior Falcons Selection Announcement

Badminton Australia is excited to announce the addition of five new athletes to the Junior Falcons Program.
These players have been selected in accordance with Badminton Australia’s Athlete Selection Policy.
We would like to welcome Smrithi Adepu (WSBA – VIC), Ava Wong (Westside– VIC), Shih-Yuan Lim (Infinity – VIC), Thierry Ling (An-Yu – WA) and Alphonsa Bijomon (Strive BA – VIC) to the squad.
Junior Falcons:
Roshan Joseph Biju (SKM – WA), Mimi Ngo (An-Yu BA – WA), Asher Ooi (Sydney Jets – NSW), Joanne Zheng (An-Yu BA – WA), Isabella Yan (NBC – NSW), Jazmine Lam (PBA – VIC), Om Neelam (Play Badminton – VIC), Emmanuel Stephen Sam (Sams Badminton – QLD), Maureen Clarissa Wijaya (NBC – NSW), Faye Huo (NBC – NSW), Evan Ji (ACE – NSW), Jamie Zhu (PBA – VIC), Aneesh Nirmal (Chandler BC –  QLD), Phillip Halim (BISA United – NSW) Jie Ying Chan (Alpha Badminton – NSW), Chauncey Yu (PBA – VIC), Bethany Li (PBA – VIC), Yee-Yuan Lim (Infinity – VIC), Victoria Tjonadi (Roketto – NSW), Xyn Yi Ling (BAWA – WA), Jordan Wang (DTBA – VIC), Jayden Lim (PBA – VIC), Sydney Tjonadi (Roketto – NSW), Landon Kurniawan (Maxima – NSW), Sarah Ung (PBA – VIC), Smrithi Adepu (WSBA – VIC), Ava Wong (Westside – VIC), Shih-Yuan Lim (Infinity – VIC), Thierry Ling (An-Yu BA – WA) and Alphonsa Bijomon (Strive BA – VIC).
Senior Falcons:
Tiffany Ho (NBC – NSW), Ricky Tang (Dash – NSW), Angela Yu (Sunnybank Hills – QLD), Jack Yu (Sunnybank Hills – QLD), Gronya Somerville (BadFit – VIC), Kaitlyn Ea (Infinity – VIC), Rayne Wang (MUBC – VIC), Kayson Goh (PBA – VIC), Bernice Teoh (An-Yu BA – WA), Dania Nugroho (SPOC – SA), Shrey Dhand (Play Badminton – VIC), Huaidong Tang (NBC – NSW), Ephraim Stephen Sam (Sams Badminton – QLD), Frederick Zhao (PBA – VIC) and Yuelin Zhang (PBA – VIC).
Badminton Australia is committed to developing athletes to help foster a strong High-Performance badminton environment across the country.
To learn more about the High-Performance Program, visit https://www.badminton.org.au/falcons/

VICTOR Oceania Mixed Team Championships 2025 Team Selection

Badminton Australia is pleased to announce the official selection of athletes who will represent the nation at the VICTOR Oceania Mixed Team Championships 2025.
The nine-member team will travel to Auckland, New Zealand in February to compete against other countries from across the Oceania region.
The team has been selected in accordance with Badminton Australia’s Athlete Selection Policy.
Women (5):
Tiffany Ho (NBC – NSW)
Angela Yu (Sunnybank Hills Badminton Club – QLD)
Gronya Somerville (BadFit – VIC)
Kaitlyn Ea (Infinity – VIC)
Bernice Teoh (An-Yu – WA)
Men (4):
Huaidong Tang (NBC – NSW)
Frederick Zhao (PBA – VIC)
Jack Yu (Sunnybank Hills Badminton Club – QLD)
Ricky Tang (DASH – NSW)
Badminton Australia CEO Tjitte Weistra congratulated all selected players.
“Each athlete’s selection for the VICTOR Oceania Mixed Team Championships reflects their dedication to performing at their best, not just for themselves, but for Australia,” Weistra said.
“We are incredibly proud of the players and are excited to see them compete next year against the top teams from across the Oceania region.”
The winning country at the VICTOR Oceania Mixed Team Championships will then secure a spot in the TotalEnergies BWF Sudirman Cup Finals 2025 in Xiamen, China.
Key Dates/Info

Badminton Australia welcomes Steven Sam to the Board

Steven is a well respected leader focused on developing clear strategic direction, governance, commercial acumen and instilling a fully inclusive, trusting and supportive team culture.
He is currently the Electrical Engineering Practice Leader (NSW & ACT) and a Technical Director at Aurecon with over 20 years experience leading teams of multi-discipline building services engineers across a range of major projects.
Steven has also held executive leadership roles in other engineering firms, most notably as the Head of Engineering for Scentre Group responsible for the design, development, delivery and operational support of Westfield Shopping Centre’s 41 assets across Australia and New Zealand.
Steven’s passion for badminton started over 30 years ago as a keen junior player in NZ and is still actively participating in all levels of competitions including veterans.
Badminton is a family affair as both his wife and children actively participate in the sport.
Steven has a strong desire to support the continual growth of badminton in our community promoting a fun, inclusive culture that upholds the highest levels of integrity.

Statement on Badminton’s exclusion from 2026 Commonwealth Games

Badminton Australia is beyond disappointed to learn that badminton won’t be included in the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Although we always knew that difficult decisions needed to be made given the heavily reduced program, we always hoped that one of the most popular, inclusive and accessible participation sports in the world, would be included in Glasgow 2026.

CEO Tjitte Weistra: “This is a bitter pill to swallow for our athletes who had already shifted their focus towards 2026 after Paris and we will now instead need to find a way to continue to support our athletes while we regroup and start our campaign towards LA 2028. We wish those sports and athletes that will be in Glasgow 2026 the very best and we look forward to coming back stronger as a sport at future Commonwealth Games.”