Gaming clubs offer remote Western Australia a new way to connect

In the vast, remote regions of Western Australia, where community life often revolves around sport, gaming clubs are increasingly providing vital social connections. These clubs, encompassing both traditional tabletop games and their digital counterparts, are growing in popularity, offering residents new avenues for friendship and engagement.

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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.

In Kununurra, located over 3,000 kilometers north of Perth, Zac Cederholm manages a weekly board game night at Kimberley Cafe. What began as an initiative to offer locals an alternative social activity has blossomed into a significant community event. "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," Cederholm explained. Some nights see the cafe, which seats 50 to 60 people, nearly full, with attendance typically ranging from 20 to 50 participants.

Further north, over 1,000 kilometers away in Broome, the public library offers a weekly Minecraft club for children. Librarian Paula Blackman runs the popular sessions, which attract over 30 children regularly. The game not only allows children to play with friends and develop their creativity but also serves as an introduction to coding and keyboard skills. Blackman noted that the club has been particularly beneficial for children with disabilities and those who find social interactions challenging.

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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.

Mark, a father of two children with autism, shared how the Minecraft club has become a significant source of joy and connection for his kids. "It's a great way for them to come and be around other people and connect through a game," he said. Similarly, in Broome, resident Peter Wark participates in monthly Warhammer gatherings at an office supply store, demonstrating the diverse range of gaming communities forming across the region. These gaming groups are proving to be inclusive spaces, bridging social gaps and strengthening community bonds in areas where opportunities for connection might otherwise be limited.

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My two kids both have autism and Minecraft is one of the joys in their life that they really get into. It's a great way for them to come and be around other people and connect through a game.