The longest-running police sporting competition in Australia and New Zealand begins in Port Macquarie today, with hundreds of police athletes from across Australia and New Zealand competing in the 46th Australasian Police Basketball Association (APBA) Championships.
Hosted by the NSW Police Basketball Club, the championships are being held from today (Monday 12 October 2026) until Friday (16 October 2026) at the Port Macquarie Basketball Stadium.
A total of 385 competitors are attending the championships.
The championships will officially commence with an Opening Ceremony at 8.30am today, with games beginning at 9.30am.
NSW Police Basketball Club President, Inspector Robert Bevern, said the championships were about more than competition.
"For more than four decades, these championships have showcased the competitive spirit, teamwork and sportsmanship of police officers from across Australia and New Zealand," Inspector Bevern said.
"Hosting the event in Port Macquarie is a fantastic opportunity to welcome our interstate and New Zealand colleagues, while also highlighting the strong support these championships receive from local communities."
Investigations and Counter Terrorism Deputy Commissioner David Hudson APM, Chair of the NSW Police Council of Sport, said police sport played an important role in promoting wellbeing and camaraderie.
"Policing can be a demanding job, and events like these provide an important opportunity for officers to maintain their wellbeing, build resilience and strengthen connections with colleagues from across different jurisdictions," Deputy Commissioner Hudson said.
"These championships demonstrate the positive role sport can play in bringing people together, fostering teamwork and supporting the health and wellbeing of our police workforce."
As part of the championships, local junior female basketball players from Port Macquarie schools and basketball clubs will take part in a Girls in Basketball clinic on Wednesday 14 October, featuring coaching from participating players, including former Olympians and elite-level athletes.
The Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run will also join participants during today's Opening Ceremony.
The championships conclude this Friday (16 October 2026) with the Division One and Division Two Men's and Women's Grand Finals.
