MEDIA RELEASE 27 February 2026
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP has congratulated Sunshine Coast company Six Zero Pickleball on being named the 2025 Australian Export Award winner in the Emerging Exporter category.
This week Mr Wallace presented the award to the family-owned business at its Bokarina headquarters, recognising its outstanding export success as part of the 63rd Australian Export Awards program
The Australian Export Awards are the nation’s longest running business awards program, celebrating exporters who drive Australia’s economic prosperity.
Mr Wallace said Six Zero Pickleball’s journey from a garage start up to a global brand in just three years was a remarkable achievement.
“Six Zero is yet another Sunshine Coast local business doing fantastically on the world stage,” Mr Wallace said.
“This is a mum and dad enterprise that started in their garage and is now exporting more than 9,500 pickleball paddles a month around the world.
“The Sunshine Coast is the small business capital of Australia, and Six Zero is another perfect example of a micro business becoming a small business, and well on its way to becoming a globally renowned brand.”
Founded in 2022 by Dale and Dr Tanya Young, a former research scientist, Six Zero Pickleball designs high performance paddles and equipment, exporting to more than 100 countries including the United States, Japan, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Around 95 per cent of the company’s monthly sales are international, with the business now employing 25 people globally and expanding through more than 200 international wholesale partners.
Mr Wallace said what set Six Zero apart was its commitment to genuine innovation.
“They are undertaking real research and development right here on the Sunshine Coast, prototyping and testing next generation paddles in their own workshop and laboratory,” he said.
“That sort of advanced product development happening locally is exactly what we want to see more of in our region.”
Dale Young said the award was a proud moment for the entire team.
“We’re very proud to be from the Sunshine Coast and to have our headquarters here,” Mr Young said.
“In just three short years we’ve gone from running the business out of our garage to exporting to more than 100 countries. This award is recognition of the hard work of our team and the support of our community.”
Dr Tanya Young said innovation and community remained at the heart of the business.
“We’re one of the few companies in the world doing genuine innovation in pickleball equipment,” Dr Young said.
“We develop our prototypes and next generation paddles here on the Coast, and we’re also passionate about supporting grassroots clubs and giving back through community partnerships and charities.”
Mr Wallace said the rapid growth of pickleball, now widely regarded as one of the fastest growing sports in the world, also highlighted the importance of accessible, community-based sport.
“Anything that keeps people moving is good for their physical health and absolutely great for their mental health,” Mr Wallace added.
“Pickleball has low barriers to entry. People don’t have to be super fit to play. It’s about getting out, moving and connecting with others, and that’s good for Australians.”
Mr Wallace congratulated Dale, Dr Tanya and the entire Six Zero team on their national recognition.
“They are elevating the Sunshine Coast on the world stage and showing what local innovation, hard work and ambition can achieve,” he finished.
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VNR available here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/a0j4my9jsgcz6qbvbl7ey/AD0GnUIULlDtT4lvca2y5pY?rlkey=vo5ujg2imsqrm9gz8p9evfsyi&st=x0fj5bqk&dl=0
Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
