Gaming an avenue for remote social connections outside sport

feel good These alternatives to sport are giving residents the chance to 'connect' in regional WA Sun 31 May 2026 at 12:06pm In remote towns like those across Western Australia's far north, sport is often the lifeblood of the community. Whether its football, basketball or either rugby code, sporting ability can often be a gateway — or obstacle — to social connection in the community. But a growing number of gaming clubs, representing both traditional tabletop gaming and their electronic counterparts, are emerging and growing in popularity and helping people to make new friends. In Kununurra, around 3,000km north of Perth, Kimberley Cafe manager Zac Cederholm runs a weekly board games night to bring locals together. "I just wanted to give some of the people in town an opportunity to maybe do something else, meet some new people, and maybe find a new game that they enjoy," he said. He said the turnout had steadily grown over time. "It kind of changes from each night to the next. Sometimes we might have close to a full cafe… our cafe can seat maybe 50 [to] 60 people," he said. "Sometimes it might be a bit quieter… we have maybe 20 people, but I feel like 20 is probably on the smaller side of people we've had show up." An alternative to sport Over 1,000 kilometres away at Broome's public library, librarian Paula Blackman runs a weekly club for children to play the computer game Minecraft. Played by millions around the world each day, the game allows users to create their own fantasy world by crafting buildings such as farms and houses as well as containing a survival and fighting aspect to it. Ms Blackman said the club has more than 30 children attending regularly, offering them the chance to play with friends and learn coding. "There's some kids that join that have never used a keyboard before and they're learning where all the keys are and how to type and then there's others that are boss level commands," she said. For children with disabilities and those who find social situations difficult, the sessions have enabled them to thrive and find joy in playing the game. Father of two Mark said the sessions gave his children the opportunity to connect. "My two kids both have autism and Minecraft is one of the joys in their life that they really get into." he said. "It's a great way for them to come and be around other people and connect through a game." Promoting inclusivity Broome resident Peter Wark is one of a number of people who meet up at an office supplies store in town monthly to play and discuss the boardgame Warhammer. The objective of the game involves using miniature characters of armies and buildings, and making certain movements that gain each player points. Like many Warhammer enthusiasts, Peter takes part in painting the game's miniature characters. "Painting can take anywhere from 10 minutes a miniature to hours spent on a favourite centrepiece," he said. Unlike most boardgames, Warhammer can be played on any surface and its tactile nature means it is able to be played by people of all abilities. "They have been doing accessibility things in the hobby for a while now," Peter said. "The miniatures themselves are incredibly detailed so I don't think it would be hard to distinguish between them." Back at Broome Library, Ms Blackman said the social sessions were extremely important for children less inclined to enrol in active sport. "It's just so good to see the kids that aren't traditionally sports kids, that they have a place to come and meet their friends in real life but still play a game that they're passionate about," she said. "It's a brilliant thing to have up here, particularly in a region which is so small but so big."