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, recognised 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 at 58 Macleod Street, 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 those 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.
- Drop-In Gaming – No booking required during regular hours. Visit Monday to Saturday from 12pm to access premium gaming PCs, consoles, 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 – Brings the same group of young people together each week to build friendships while developing gaming skills, teamwork, and strategy.
- Social Circle – Designed for neurodivergent young people, with or without NDIS funding, but open to everyone. We use 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.
Beyond gaming, we're building pathways to practical skills: the Ignition Project (virtual learn-to-drive software on our sim racing rigs), Be Connected (digital literacy support for community members of all ages), work experience opportunities, and our Supported Work program for NDIS participants with a passion for gaming. 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.
Why your support matters
As a regional small business, we rely on local support to continue providing these opportunities for Bairnsdale's young people. You can help by visiting us, spreading the word to other families, considering us for celebrations, and supporting our vision. 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.
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. 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.
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, or reach out with questions.
ESports Collective
58 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale · Monday to Saturday, from 12pm · Ages 8+
Phone: 0468 009 660 · Email: hello@esportscollective.com.au
Together, we're creating something meaningful for our region's young people, 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.
The team at ESports Collective