April 2010 VTN - Issue 76

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COUNTRY WEEK You have to see it to believe it! KINGLAKE RANGES A community comes together Clubs Club Open Day Success Juniors Future Leaders Graduation Regional Connecting with Regional Victoria ISSUE 76 APRIL 2010 VICTORIA’S ONLY MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO GRASSROOTS TENNIS V I C T O R I A N T E N N I S N E W S

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VTN Magazine

Transcript of April 2010 VTN - Issue 76

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COuntry Weekyou have to see it to believe it!

kinglake rangesa community comes together

ClubsClub Open Day Success

JuniorsFuture Leaders Graduation

regionalConnecting with Regional Victoria

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V I C T O R I A ’ S O N L Y M A G A Z I N E D E D I C A T E D T O G R A S S R O O T S T E N N I S

V I C T O R I A N T E N N I S N E W S

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Another season of major tennis events has now passed and Tennis Victoria has again invested in promoting and hosting many of our affiliates and partners over this period. A record crowd of 653,860 attended Australian Open 2010. Tennis Australia’s CEO, Steve Wood, made the following comments describing some of the major highlights of our best Australian Open ever.

The attendance smashed the previous record by nearly 50,000 in a fortnight of tennis that dominated the world sporting spotlight and eclipsed many of the historical marks for the Grand Slam of Asia Pacific.

Highlights included:

The highest ever day/night attendance in Grand Slam •history, with 77,043 fans attending on Saturday 23 January

Record traffic to the official Australian Open 2010 website •www.australianopen.com

More than half a million dollars raised through •The Hit for Haiti charity match

Record international interest with peaks in China and Britain•

Australian Open 2010 was one of the top Twitter •trending topics throughout the six days of the finals

The Minister for Sport, James Merlino also accepted my invitation to attend the Tankworld-Rebound Ace Victorian Country Tennis Association (VCTA) Country Week tournament this year hosted by the Swan Hill Lawn Tennis Club. He was extremely impressed by the event, making a special trip by plane to see the event in full swing following a busy day in parliament. He noted, as he addressed the players prior to play, that with over 1200 participants in almost 200 teams, the event was the largest annual one-off grassroots sporting event in the southern hemisphere if not the world. Well done Pat, Carol and team.

We are very fortunate to have two of the largest grassroots tournaments here in Victoria - the Inter-regional Championships run by Tennis Victoria’s Country Committee and the Tankworld-Rebound Ace VCTA Country Week. These tournaments reflect the strength of our club-based culture and should be nurtured.

FrOM tHe tOP

CONTACT US

Tennis Victoria Phone (03) 8420 8420 Fax (03) 8420 8499 Email [email protected]

Locked Bag 6001 Richmond VIC 3121

tennis.com.au/vic

Ian Clark, Tennis Victoria – CEO

OUR SUPPORTERS

news 4Summer Of TennisAustralian Open 2010 - Victorian HighlightsCountry Week - More Than Just Tennis!

juniors 6Prelli Award Winners10/U Wayne Arthurs CupVictorian Success At The Foundation CupFacelift For State Academy Victoria

regional 10Connecting With Regional VictoriaRebuilding For The Future

clubs 11Exciting Changes At Tennis Victoria Game Set Match... Take Your Club To The Next Level!

participation 12Taking Tennis To The Community2010 Inter-regional ChampionshipsDeaflympicsClub Open Day SuccessVictorians Win Gold At Panhellic Games2010 SEDA ProgramLooking To The Future

administrator 15Member BenefitsThe Season Of Winning

THE VTN T EAM

Editor Lisa Winkler Production Plutonium Communications Cover Sean Berman Front Cover Photography Andrew Gyopar

Victorian Tennis News is published by Tennis Victoria four times a year. Reproduction in whole or part is not permitted without the written permission of Tennis Victoria. Also available online at tennis.com.au/vic

neXt issue: July 2010

ISSUE 76 APRIL 2010

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“I didn’t have the greatest start, but then I started to get my rhythm, got into the game, and competed at my best.”

No longer competing against each other, Stojic and Woolcock combined to win the girls’ 14/u doubles title. The pair had a bumpy road to reach the final, however when it came to the crunch the two Victorians worked together to defeat the No.1 seeds, Kassandra Dunser and Brooke Rischbieth, 7-6(3) 6-4 in the final.

Woolcock was also given a wildcard into the girls’ 16/u event. Making the most of her chances, Woolcock made the semifinals before being defeated in three sets by Storm Sanders, 4-6 6-4 6-2.

Fellow Victorian Marc Polmans also won his second national singles title for the year, taking out the boys’ 12/u title in convincing fashion. This final was also an all Victorian affair, with Polmans playing Omar Jasika. Despite losing the first set, Polmans was able to claw his way back to take the match 3-6 6-4 6-1. A special mention

B efore the best tennis players in the world arrived in Melbourne for Australian Open 2010, the best tennis

players in Australia competed in the December Showdown at Melbourne Park. For 22 days, the best in the nation showcased their talent in nine separate tournaments.

Tournaments ranged in ages from 12/u to 18/u with the pinnacle being the Australian Open Wild Card Playoff – attracting not only the future of Australian tennis, but also the country’s more seasoned campaigners like Alicia Molik and Casey Dellacqua who were both on the comeback trail and competing for a place in Australian Open 2010.

The format also included four teams’ events, with each state or territory selecting some of their best athletes to represent them in the round-robin competition. Interstate rivalry was at its highest, as teams battled against their fellow states for trophies named after some of Australia’s best players, including the Margaret Court and Rod Laver Cups.

At the conclusion of the three weeks it was evident that tennis in Victoria is thriving,

with Victorians taking out three singles championships, the boys’ 12/u state teams championship (the Rod Laver Cup) and finishing third in the girls’ 14/u state teams championship.

AUSTRAliAN NATiONAl CHAMPiONSHiPSAfter winning national titles at the Spring Nationals in Perth, Victorians Belinda Woolcock and Marc Polmans were looking to replicate their success at the December Showdown.

Woolcock, who was seeded third in the girls’ 14/u event, had a number of straight set wins, and a tough semifinal on her road to reaching the final, where she came up against her friend, and doubles partner, Stefani Stojic, also from Victoria. After a nervous start Woolcock dominated her opponent to win the title in straight sets 6-4 6-1.

“I hadn’t played Stefani before, but I’ve played doubles with her quite a lot, so I was really looking forward to it,” said Woolcock after her victory.

NEWSNEWS

Summer Of Tennis Australian Open 2010 - Victorian Highlights

A bright future ahead: Marc Polmans with his trophy after winning the 12/u title.

Belinda Woolcock captured her second national title.

Olivia Rogowska narrowly missed out on winning an Australian Open (AO) wildcard at the December showdown, but was awarded a discretionary wildcard by Tennis Australia.

She played Sorana Cirstea from Romania in the first round, losing in three tough sets, 6-3 2-6 6-2.

After a breakthrough year in 2009, twenty-four year-old Marinko Matosevic from Dandenong was awarded the last male discretionary wildcard into his first AO.

Matosevic played Switzerland’s Marco Chiudinelli in the first round of the AO, losing in four sets 7-6 7-6 4-6 6-3.

Anastasia Rodionova played her first AO as an official Australian after recently being awarded citizenship.

“I live here [in Melbourne] and it’s the place where I really like to compete, and [now] I am really proud and honoured to play for Australia,” said Rodionova.

Rodionova drew the No.3 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova in the first round and lost in straight sets, 6-1 6-2.

Peter Luczak was the unluckiest of the Victorians, drawing the No.2 seed Rafael Nadal in the first round. Luczak put up a gallant fight, but lost in straight sets 7-6 6-1 6-4.

“I’ll definitely remember that for the rest of my life,” said Luczak after the match.

“That’s what we play for: to play on a centre court, especially in my hometown.”

Sally Peers paired with Laura Robson from Great Britain in the Women’s Doubles where the pair made the quarterfinals before losing to the No.15 seeds, Maria Kirilenko and Agnieszka Radwanska.

The AO junior qualifying event was held in Bendigo for the first time this year and many Victorians competed, including Tom Price who put in a valiant effort by making it through to the last round of the qualifying.

Sean Berman, Molly Polak, Belinda Woolcock and Viktorija Rajicic all played the main draw in singles. Polak, Woolcock and Rajicic lost their first round matches while Berman continued his great form over summer.

Berman won through to the final against the No.14 seed from Brazil, Tiago Fernandes. Unfortunately for Berman, Fernandes was too good on the day, losing 7-5 6-3.

The victorious boys team of (l to r): Socrates Tsoronis, Marc Polmans and Omar Jasika with Team Manager, Chris Mahoney.

AUSTRAliAN TEAMS CHAMPiONSHiPSNational teams’ events are where interstate rivalry flourishes, and the competition at the December Showdown was no exception. As a state, Victoria contains a large proportion of higher ranked players nationally, and therefore was able to field two teams in three of the four team events for the second year in a row. Nick Hinneberg, Executive Manager of Operations at Tennis Victoria explained the importance of the team events.

“The Australian Teams Championship is one of the biggest events of the year for our players,” said Hinneberg.

“The boys and girls we had representing Victoria are some of the most talented juniors in Australia.”

After reaching the finals in 2008, the 12/u boys’ team were eager to go one step further this year and take out the Rod Laver Cup. Finishing top of their pool, Victoria went into the playoffs for the Rod Laver Cup undefeated, impressively winning all 12 of their games in the first part of the round-robin competition.

The Victorians then faced their fellow state team, Victoria – Team B for a place in the final, winning three games to love. In a tight final, the team managed to defeat New South Wales and remain undefeated to secure the Rod Laver Cup two games to love. Congratulations to the team of Marc Polmans, Omar Jasika and Socrates Tsoronis.

goes to Katerina Valos who made the quarterfinals in the girls’ 12/u event.

Oliver Ceranic had a great tournament. Unseeded, he reached the final of the boys’ 14/u event, before going down 6-2 6-2 to a more experienced opponent in No.9 seed Adam Hecimovic.

New Victorian Sean Berman captured his first national title with victory in the boys’ 16/u event over the No.1 seed Luke Saville, 6-4 6-7(4) 6-1. Andrew Whittington made the semifinals in the same tournament, losing to Saville. Whittington went on to pair with Joey Swaysland from New South Wales to take the out the boys’ 16/u doubles title.

Sally Peers made the final of the 18/u girls’ championship, losing to Queensland’s Monika Wejnert in straight sets, 7-5 6-0. Jade Hopper then paired up with Wejnert in the doubles, where the girls were successful in winning the title.

Sally Peers and Olivia Rogowska played in the Australian Open wildcard play-off, with Peers making the semifinal and Rogowska the final, where she was defeated by Casey Dellacqua in three sets, 1-6 7-6(9) 6-3.

Rogowska was leading by a set and 5-2 before Dellacqua stormed back to take the match.

“Casey played some pretty good tennis when she was down, so credit to her,” said Rogowska after the match.

“I’m a little disappointed but I played some good tennis this week.”

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I also met Cheryle Andersen who missed the 2009 event because of Black Saturday but was glad to be back.

“A lot of people have come up to me to say it’s nice to see me again, and even if I don’t remember their name, or know who they are, it is nice to hear,” said Andersen, who lost her Clonbinane home in the bushfires.

Amongst the players matching outfits were again popular. This year we got to see the Ballerinas who all wore tutus and the Super Girls and Hot Heads who each wore specially designed shirts, just to name a few.

Just as interesting as the outfits were the stories behind them. Each of the Macedon Ranges girls had to carry a trinket with them at all times (other than when they were playing). The eldest member of the team was seen carrying a walking stick all week, whilst another member had a skeleton because it was her idea of the perfect man – one who lets her come to Country Week and doesn’t talk!

“We had to carry them everywhere without exception,” said Kerry Vinten whose item was in reference to her upcoming wedding – a ball and chain.

“If we didn’t have them and got caught we had to perform a dare (this never did eventuate). At the start of the week everyone was asking us why we had the trinkets and by the end of the week everyone was dobbing on us for not having them!”

Behind the scenes at the Swan Hill Lawn Tennis Club there were hard workers in the kitchen and behind the bar, serving the masses food and drinks for the week.

Players drank 1536 Coronas (along with 120 lemons), 1392 Carlton Dry cans, 720 Cascade Premium Light stubbies, 240 Jim Beam and Cola, 288 UDLs, 1224 cans of soft drink, 960 bottles of Powerade/Gatorade and over 1500 bottles of water.

Equally as impressive were the results from the kitchen, where volunteers worked tirelessly to keep everyone fed. Over the five days they went through 180 cooked chickens and sold 4000 rolls/sandwiches/wraps.

To keep cool in the blistering heat, players also went through 720 bags of ice.

At the end of the week, when all the players had returned home, the town of Swan Hill

was $2 million richer, with hotels, restaurants and bars filled to capacity for the week.

“February is normally a quiet month in Swan Hill,” said John Brookshaw, President of the Swan Hill Lawn Tennis Club.

“Country Week means a lot of good spending in the community.”

Country Week is an event that you have to see and experience for yourself to fully

appreciate, but don’t just take my word for it. If you’ve never had the pleasure of attending Country Week, why not come along next year? In 2011 the tournament will be held from 14-18 February at the Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club. Entries will open in October and application forms will be available at tennis.com.au/vcta or by contacting the VCTA on 5345 2926 or via email [email protected].

NEWSNEWS

Country Week - More Than Just Tennis! By Lisa Winkler

C ountry Week is an event you have to see to believe. The sheer number of players, courts and teams combine to

make it the biggest grasscourt tournament in Australia, if not the southern hemisphere.

Although I attended this year’s event in a work capacity, I decided that I would take the opportunity to become one of the many players and experience Country Week from an on-court perspective.

Having worked in this great sport for nearly two years, many assumed I was a seasoned professional when it came to the tennis court. However, the reality is I only began having lessons a few months ago and had never actually played a set before, so when I was asked to fill-in for the Bacchus Marsh Gems I jumped at the chance.

I was somewhat nervous to actually ‘play’ for the first time and felt obliged to let my new teammates know that I’d never played on grass before, nor could I really serve.

“That’s ok,” said Loris Hine, trying to reassure me. “You look fit and strong.”

Before I made by big debut, I joined all the players around the clubhouse to be welcomed by The Hon. James Merlino, MP, Minister for Sport and Recreation, who had flown up to experience Country Week first hand.

“You blew me away with this tournament. This is the single biggest community sporting event I’ve seen in more than three years of being Sports Minister,” said Mr Merlino.

“This is just so wonderful. Ian [Clark] and Pat [Gilchrist] took me for a tour around the facilities when I got here yesterday [Monday] afternoon and we went all the way out to court 102, which is amazing.”

Motivated and with the Minister’s words ringing in my ear, off I went. Armed with my racquet I was ready to play.

My teammates were clearly much more experienced than me as they arrived prepared with deck chairs, eskies for off the court, cooler bags for on the court and iced neck coolers to help battle the hot weather. Boy did I look like a novice in comparison carrying one bottle of water!

With a little bit of luck I could let my tennis do the talking.

We started well and went to a 4-1 lead before the wheels fell off, and we lost seven games straight to lose the set. I wish I could

say the tennis got better as the day went on, but with losses of 8-0, 8-1 and 8-1, it didn’t!

Although I managed to have ‘game point’ on my serve several times, I never did manage to hold serve either.

“It’s ok,” said Hine over and over. “We aren’t playing for sheep stations, we are just here to have fun.”

And have fun I did. Despite the bad scores, I enjoyed having a hit and meeting new people. Getting to know my newfound teammates, I discovered Karen Perkins, flies down from Brisbane especially for the event.

“This is my junket and the ladies take me in each year,” said Perkins.

“It’s a good social atmosphere. I only play

once a year - the racquet goes in the bag when I get home, under the stairs, and it comes out again before I get on the plane.”

When I wasn’t playing I took the opportunity to explore the 102 courts and mingle amongst the 1200 players to have a chat.

Along the way I met Dawn Whykes, a Country Week attendee for more than 20 years. This year she brought her daughter, Melissa Coulter, and granddaughter, Sarah Whykes, with her to play for the first time.

“I had to fill the team,” said Dawn, who was content to sit on the sidelines this year because of an injury.

“I’m doing the spectator thing at the moment, but it’s been very good. It’s always very organised.”

The Macedon Ranges team with their trinkets.

Country Week is as much about the social aspect as it is the tennis.

Players relaxed and watched from the sidelines when not playing.

Three generations (l to r): Melissa Coulter, Dawn Whykes and Sarah Whykes.

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JUNIORS 9 JUNIORS

10/u Wayne Arthurs Cup

Facelift For State Academy Victoria

Victorian Success At The Foundation CupE ight juniors from regional Victoria

represented Victoria at the Foundation Cup which was played

at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre during the Medibank International. The boys’ team consisted of Samuel Parry, Oscar McDonald, Regan More, Alistair Salerno while Romana Mataruga, Zoe Hives, Briony McKenzie and Caitlin Lennon made up the girls’ team

Players were selected after competing for the regions in the 13/u Foundation and Fitzgerald Cups. Both teams had great tournaments, with the girls defeating NSW in the final 4-9-62 to 1-1-35. The win was made even more special for Zoe Hives who was awarded the Judy Dalton medal in recognition of her outstanding results during the event, her good sportsmanship and positive attitude. In the boys’ event, the

The winning NSJTA team with Wayne Arthurs (l to r): Liam Harrington, Lucas Vuradin, Wayne Arthurs, Samyuktha Stephanie Serafidis, Rajagopalan. Photographer: Andrew Gyopar.

T ennis Victoria’s elite junior training program, the State Academy Victoria, commenced in early February with

over 40 junior Victorian players selected to train in the program for the next six months.

Catering for highly ranked players between the ages of 12 and 17 who meet the state selection criteria, all players will receive a comprehensive training schedule to help them realise their full tennis potential. The program was restructured for 2010 with High Performance Coach Wayne Smith named as Head Coach. Several new coaching staff have also joined the program to assist Wayne, whose experience in developing junior elite tennis athletes is a fantastic benefit to the program.

“We have a great pool of tennis talent training in the State Academy Victoria this year and I am very excited to be working with these young motivated athletes,” said Smith.

“Together with our passionate team of coaches, I am confident that we’ll achieve some very strong results.”

After a very busy tournament schedule in December and January, most athletes in the academy are in a training phase. However, some of the younger athletes have already been competing in nationals events, Australian Money Tournaments and Optus Junior Tour events. One of the important components of the State Academy Victoria is the Full Duty of Care tour and tournament support that is provided to the athletes on the road at events around Australia.

The State Academy Victoria is based at Melbourne Park and trains weekday afternoons. In addition to the selection criteria, athletes may also be selected to receive a ‘training experience’ based upon their individual efforts and match results from a number of Tennis Victoria tournaments, competitions and programs such as Junior Pennant, the Inter-Regional Championships and Regional Teams Events.

More information about the State Academy Victoria can be online at tennis.com.au/vic (Player Pathway).

The victorious girls team with Judy Dalton and Team Manager, Julie Glynn.

Prelli Award WinnersChase Ferguson and Madeline Williams are the winners of the Prelli Racquets Talent Development Award and will each receive a $250 voucher.

The Prelli Racquets Talent Development Award is a collaboration between Tennis Victoria and Prelli Racquets, established to recognise the achievements of Talent Development Program participants who also display outstanding sporting qualities such as hard work, sportsmanship and determination for success.

MAdEliNE WilliAMS

M adeline Williams began playing tennis with her father on their backyard tennis court at the age of four.

The pair would have a hit most days before joining the Greenvale Tennis Club where Madeline began group lessons. Once she turned seven she started semi-private lessons before moving on to private lessons with her current coach, Anthony Guccione.

“I did a lot of work with Madeline initially. I taught her the basics and then Anthony and other coaches stepped in,” said her father, Gary Williams.

Madeline is currently ranked No.6 in Victoria for her birth year and is ranked 615 in Australia, a climb of almost 400 places in the last 12 months.

Recently she reached the final of the Tennis United Junior Open, the semifinals of the Victorian Junior Grasscourt Championships and the quarterfinals at the TCAV Age Championships, the Hudson Bond 14th Annual Manningham Tennis Championships and the Warrnambool Junior Grasscourt Open.

“Madeline has made really good progress over the last couple of months with her development,” said Ashley Naumann, Tennis Victoria’s Talent Development Manager.

“Her game is tracking in the right direction and she’s been getting better tournament results.”

Her father Gary also believes she is heading in the right direction to further her career.

“She spends five hours there [with Tennis Victoria’s Talent Development Program per week], she probably does three hours of private [coaching] and she’s on the court with other kids or other players of her calibre, hitting with them. Then she’s got the competition and tournaments which she does on weekends.”

Outside of tennis, Madeline is very academic, putting a lot of time into her school work. She hopes to one day get to a level where she can play in an Australian Open.

CHASE FERgUSON

C urrently ranked No.2 in Victoria and No.3 in Australia for his birth year, Chase Ferguson is making steady progress with his tennis development. His Australian ranking has climbed over

300 spots in the last 12 months.

Chase began playing tennis when he was about three years old in the Northern Territory (NT) while he was watching his sister play.

He continued to play in the NT until about three years ago when his family moved down to Victoria.

“We wanted to give Chase the best opportunity to advance his tennis career,” said his mother, Sophia Ferguson.

Chase enjoys the challenge tennis provides and one day hopes to tour on the professional circuit like his idol, Roger Federer.

Chase’s results of late have been impressive, reaching the finals of the Gosford Mentor 12/u Junior AR and the Colac Lawn Tennis Club Junior Championships. He also made the semifinals of the Core Frankston Summer Classic and the quarterfinals of the Renmark Grasscourt Championships.

“Chase has had some impressive results over the last couple of months and is making considerable progress with his development,” said Ashley Naumann, Tennis Victoria’s Talent Development Manager.

“He’s a valued member of Tennis Victoria’s Talent Development Program and has very good future potential.”

Sophia describes her son’s demeanour on and off the court as being very different.

“He’s a very gentle boy off the court, but on the court he’s very different. He wants everything to be perfect.”

N orth Suburban Junior Tennis Association (NSJTA) secured its first-ever victory in the Wayne Arthurs

Cup, narrowly defeating Bayside-Moorabbin in the final by just four games.

Held at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club in December, with the support of the Kooyong Foundation, the 10/u mixed event featured 17 teams from across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. All 68 players who travelled to Melbourne from as far away as Warrnambool, Bairnsdale and Wodonga to compete in the event had the opportunity to meet Wayne Arthurs who attended the presentation ceremony.

“The 10/u Wayne Arthurs Cup was a great opportunity for our promising Victorian juniors to compete in a mixed teams event with their peers,” said Wayne Arthurs.

“I am very proud to be part of this Tennis Victoria Junior Regional Cup and to support the next generation of future tennis talent.”

The final was a tightly contested affair that came down to the last match to decide the outcome. After a 4-2 victory over Berwick in the semifinal, the NSJTA team of Lucas Vuradin, Liam Harrington, Samyuktha Rajagopalan and Stephanie Serafidis went into the final as favourites, having dropped only three sets along the way. By comparison, Bayside-Moorabbin had a much harder time, reaching the final with a two game victory over North Eastern Junior Tennis Association in their semifinal.

After the four singles matches, only three games separated the two teams. A 6-3 win in the first mixed doubles to Bayside-Moorabbin ensured the result would come down to the wire. NSJTA raced to an early lead in the second mixed doubles match and were able to hold on to the lead to take the match 6-2 to secure victory.

results were reversed, with Victoria being defeated by NSW 3-7-56 to 2-4-43.

Congratulations to everyone who participated.

State AcademyVictoria

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A sample club lock-up logo.

CLUBS REGIONAL

L eongatha, Mt Beauty and Yaapeet tennis clubs held Community Tennis Days over summer as part of Tennis

Victoria’s Isolated Communities Project.

Designed to promote and support tennis in isolated communities, the project is an initiative of Tennis Victoria and the State Government that is funded by Sport and Recreation Victoria.

“It can be difficult for tennis clubs from isolated areas to attract new members,” said Adam Feiner, Tennis Victoria’s Regional Community Tennis Officer.

“We hope the Community Tennis Days have sparked an interest in the sport amongst the local communities.”

Located in northwest Victoria, Yaapeet is a small rural town that was full of spirit at their Community Tennis Day, which coincided with the opening of a new court and club renovations.

The drought has led to some tough times in Yaapeet. For a town with decreasing community numbers, leading to the closure of their football and netball clubs, the tennis club has become a community hub, a place where most of the town get together, play tennis and socialise.

“Tennis helps to keep our community together,” said Ian Herben, President of the Yaapeet Tennis Club.

“The tennis club is the only official sport in the town so it is quite significant. We have 58 members and only 43 people live in the town!

“Recent renovations have given community members hope for tennis in Yappeet into the future.”

In contrast, Leongatha is a large rural town, and over 100 people participated in their Community Tennis Day. The club estimated

that 50 percent of those who attended weren’t currently members.

“We’re rapt with the turnout,” said Frank Dekker, President of Leongatha Tennis Club.

“It has exceeded our expectations to be honest.”

After a drop in membership in recent years, the club is hoping that many who attended on the day will become members for life.

“The main thing we are hoping for is that they [the kids] will take up tennis and keep playing the game as adults.”

The same sentiments were felt at the Mt Beauty Tennis Club, who had 40 people attend on the day.

“We are hoping that this Community Tennis Day will help grow the number of members, in particular junior players, for our club which is very important for our future,” said Ken Bell, President of Mt Beauty Tennis Club.

At the conclusion of each Community Tennis Day, equipment packs consisting of 6 mini-nets, 24 junior racquets, 36 modified balls, a storage bag and an MLC Tennis Hot Shots delivery manual were left behind for the clubs to utilise.

O ne year on and the Kinglake Ranges Tennis Club (KRTC) has cause for celebration with the opening of its

newly renovated multi-purpose clubroom.

Prior to the bushfires, KRTC had applied for a Small Towns Development Fund grant to go towards renovating the clubroom which had come to them via the adjoining primary school (who previously used the building as a library). The club had visions to renovate the bare shell into a multi-purpose facility, complete with running water and electricity.

As part of the grant application process, KRTC had committed to contributing $3000 towards the works, which they planned to raise at the Kinglake Festival in late February 2009. Out of respect for the community, the fundraiser was cancelled after the bushfires. KRTC approached the Tennis Bushfire Relief Appeal Steering Committee to see if the $3000 could be granted from the Neale Fraser Foundation – Tennis Bushfire Relief Appeal, to ensure the renovations could continue.

“When Black Saturday came through, a lot of community facilities had actually burnt down,” said Nicole Seckold, Secretary of the KRTC.

“We thought it would be pretty important to get a room that hadn’t burnt down in the fires and get it up to scratch

to provide a meeting space for other community groups to have their events.

“After Black Saturday it was even more urgent than ever before, so we really pushed forward with Regional Development Victoria, Tennis Victoria, the Federal Government and the Murrindindi Shire to give us the funding to renovate.”

A total of $64,000 was provided, with an extra $4000 of in-kind contributions being donated by the community. The official opening was a momentous day for the KRTC.

“We are, as a committee, so pleased and so proud of this facility,” said Craig Seckold, President of the KRTC.

The opening was attended by the The Hon. Jacinta Allan, MP, Minister for Regional and Rural Development, The Hon. Bill Shorten, MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction, Cr. Peter Beales from the Murrindindi Shire and Ben Hardman, MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Bushfire Reconstruction.

“This has been a fantastic project that we’re all so very proud in our own various and different ways to have been associated with,” said Ms Allan.

“To keep it [the building] in the community’s hands and to move it on to this site was a

great achievement in itself and now we can say it’s been completely transformed into this very modern, very comfortable multi-purpose space.”

The end result is not only a great facility for KRTC to use, but one which is also used by the Kinglake Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the YMCA (for their school holiday programs) and the shire to hire out.

Congratulations to the KRTC whose community spirit has shown that good can come out of something as terrible as Black Saturday.

Exciting Changes At Tennis Victoria

Game Set Match... Take Your Club To The Next Level!Rebuilding For The Future

Connecting With Regional Victoria

Participants participate in the warm-up on court at the Leongatha Tennis Club.

METROEast Gippsland

CentralGippsland

GoulburnValley

NorthEast

LoddonCampaspeWimmera

NorthernMallee

Glenelg

CentralHighlands

Barwon

REGIONALVICTORIA

WESTREGIONALVICTORIA

EAST

MORNINGTONPENINSULA

New regional boundaries

T he board of Tennis Australia (TA) met during Australian Open 2010 to consider a proposal to fund additional

Community Tennis Officers (CTOs) around the country.

All Member Associations (states) provided TA with detailed submissions on how, and where, CTOs could be deployed. As a result, TA has announced that a pool of funds would be allocated to employ extra CTOs and give them the tools to help clubs, associations and coaches. Together with initiatives to assist local area marketing and the tennis IT infrastructure, an amount of $2.75 million has been allocated nationally for the 2009/10 year.

“Tennis Victoria’s submission was well received,” said Ian Clark, CEO of Tennis Victoria.

“As a result, tennis in Victoria will benefit from the employment of six new staff, allowing Tennis Victoria to increase its capacity to serve members and build relationships with affiliates.

“Under the new structure, the club to CTO ratio will be greatly reduced, which is fantastic news for clubs and the wider tennis community as we will be able to provide better face-to-face communication.”

Currently, Tennis Victoria has three CTOs (previously known as Access Officers) whose roles are split into north/west and south/east metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

From 21 April 2010, metropolitan Melbourne will have five CTOs servicing west, north, east, south and south/east Melbourne. An additional staff member in regional Victoria will see the region split into east and west.

In addition to the four new Community Tennis Officers, Tennis Victoria will benefit greatly from another Membership Services Officer and a new Competitions and Tournaments Administrator.

A new Membership Services Officer will help to reduce the ratio of staff to members, again allowing Tennis Victoria to better service members.

The Competitions and Tournaments Administrator will work closely with larger metropolitan associations to, amongst other things, support their junior competitions and ensure they are strategically aligned with Tennis Victoria and Tennis Australia participation programs.

In the July edition of the VTN, we will provide you with further information and an introduction to all the new staff.

T ennis Victoria’s Game Set Match (GSM) was launched on Wednesday 27 January and 40 affiliates have

already registered for the program and are on their way to ensuring their club’s long-term growth and sustainability.

This easy-to-access online program is free to Tennis Victoria affiliates and provides the resources and tools needed to guide affiliates through to achieving benchmark operating standards.

“Game Set Match is a fantastic new resource tool for our club volunteers and administrators to help guide and assist them in the management and operation of their tennis club,” said Adam Feiner, Tennis Victoria’s Regional Community Tennis Officer.

”It’s online, simple, easy to use and work through and there are plenty of resources, support and information available.”

Notting Hill - Pinewood Tennis Club has signed up for GSM and President, John Basemore said it was important for clubs to adhere to best practice.

“It is important for volunteer organisations to put in place processes that encourage successive committee personnel to

adhere to best practices and, essentially, GSM provides an external audit for key administrative activities,” said Basemore.

Like many clubs who have signed up the program, Notting Hill - Pinewood has only just begun to work through the Game level of GSM, but they have found that it has been a process of formalising work they have already done.

Notting Hill – Pinewood intends to complete as many levels of GSM as possible and view it as a work in progress program with constant reviews and updates.

“We expect that the club will be able to identify those administrative areas currently not being addressed as well as the consolidation of those areas the club currently does well,” said Basemore.

Any affiliate can sign up for GSM and by beginning at the Game level, your club will develop the basic principles and best practices in business operations, volunteer management, facility operations and on-court management to obtain the minimum operating standard. At the completion of this level, your club can move on to the Set level as well as becoming eligible to apply for an affiliated club

lock-up logo featuring the ‘tennis’ logo and your club’s logo!

The Game level should be a platform for your club to continue to improve operations while up-skilling committee members in the implementation of these resources.

“It is important for clubs to focus on their efforts both on and off the court, ensuring it is doing the right things to be sustainable and growing for the future,” said Feiner.

“The club’s future is in the committee’s hands and I encourage all clubs to utilise GSM as a free benefit of affiliation provided by Tennis Victoria.”

Sign up for Game Set Match today!

Further information about Tennis Victoria’s Best Practice Guidelines and GSM can be found by visiting tennis.com.au/vic (Clubs/Resources/ Best Practice Guidelines).

New metropolitan boundaries

EAST

NORTH

WEST

SOUTH / EAST

SOUTH

Celebrating the opening of the new clubroom (l to r): Nicole Seckold, Michael Stott (KRTC coach), Ben Hardman, MP, The Hon. Bill Shorten, MP, The Hon. Jacinta Allan, MP, and Craig Seckold.

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V ictorians have won two gold, one silver and one bronze medal at the Panhellic Games tennis tournament.

An initiative of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad – Oceania and Far East Region, the Panhellenic Games bring together young people of Hellenic heritage from Australia and New Zealand by competing in sporting events. In 2009 the Pancretan Tennis Club hosted the tennis tournament.

Congratulations to the following Victorians who won medals:

Women’s Open category: Stacey Kyriakopoulos – Gold Medal Gracie Primikilidis – Silver Medal

Men’s Open category: Christos Messiakaris - Gold Medal Alex Espositos - Bronze Medal

With more than 100 people attending the Club Open Day, the club was able to sign up 68

new members!

“BLTC had not previously held a Club Open Day,” said Linda Best, BLTC’s Secretary.

Held on Sunday 7 February, just a week after the Australian Open finished, the club was able to build on the buzz around tennis at the time.

“We felt this was a great time of year to hold a Club Open Day,” said Best.

“Not only were we able to capitalise on the Australian Open, but the date coincided with the beginning of the new year and Term 1, whilst also allowing us to promote our current coaching program by Larry Dempster, together with our new partnership, the Fromberg-McCurdy Tennis Academy.”

Both coaching programs were actively involved in planning and promoting the

day. Approximately 30 people signed up for coaching which was a great result for the club.

After contacting Tennis Victoria and agreeing to hold a Club Open Day, BLTC was given resources and giveaways to assist with the running of the day.

“The resources gave BLTC innovative ideas for coordinating the format of the day and promoting the event to our local community,” said Best.

To promote the Club Open Day to new members, the club contacted the local paper, The Bayside Leader, and promoted the day to the local community with flyers.On the day, children were able to have a hit with top elite juniors and visitors were able to experiment with playing on plexi-cushion and red porous surfaces.

The club was also lucky enough to have Wayne Arthurs and Richard Fromberg attend on the day. “To encourage new

PARTICIPATIONPARTICIPATION12

Victorians Win Gold At Panhellic Games

Women’s Open gold medallist, Stacey Kyriakopoulos

Wayne Arthurs participated in on-court activities at the BLTC Club Open Day.

Hold a Club Open Day at your club!

Club Open Days are an excellent way for your club to promote its programs and services to your local community. It is also a terrific opportunity for your club to increase membership and for the coach to promote their coaching programs and services.

Register your Club Open Day with Tennis Victoria and get a FREE Club Open Day promotional pack, including:

• Promotionalitemsincludingagianttennis ball, three cans of tennis balls, three caps, three drink bottles, three bottles of sunscreen and 50 wristbands;

• ClubOpenDaypostersthatyouwillbeable to personalise; and

• ACD-ROMwithagenericmediarelease,ideas for promotion and activities, participation registration form and a club feedback form to complete after your Club Day Open.

If your club would like to hold a Club Open Day, please visit tennis.com.au/vic (Clubs/Programs) to download a copy of the registration form.

2010 Inter-regional Championships

Greg Cooke presents Northern Mallee with the Cooke shield

A s the feature event for top country players to represent their region and play in a team event, the 2010 Inter-

regional Championships were a huge success.

Led by Karen and Robert Telfer, the Goulburn Region hosted the 54th running of the event at the Benalla Lawn Tennis Club from 8-10 January, in very hot weather conditions.

In total, 30 events were held across the three days with nine regions represented across the senior, open and junior age groups.

“Tennis in regional Victoria is very strong and our juniors need events like the Inter-

regional Championships to continue their pathway in the sport,” said Andrew King, Chairman of the Country Committee.

“The team environment in this event is often more valuable than the points gained throughout the year and this event continues to keep juniors involved in the sport for greater periods of time.”

Barwon Region was the overall winner, finishing with 130 points and will host the event at the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club in 2011. Northern Mallee were presented with the Cooke shield for most improved region.

Participants were still keen to have a hit at Moomba, despite the storm-weathered mini-courts.

.

The speed serve was a popular attraction.

Taking Tennis To The Community

T ennis Victoria has been busy over the last couple of months, setting up interactive sites at the 2010 CF

Orr Stakes Day at Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday 6 February and the Moomba Festival over the Labour Day long weekend.

Both sites offered children and their parents the opportunity to take part in MLC Tennis Hot Shots and test their serving speed against the radar gun, while Moomba also offered them the option to test their speed and agility on a slalom sprint course.

Tennis Victoria staff were keenly assisted at Moomba by students from the SEDA program (see page 14 for more information about the program) who had their first experience assisting at a Tennis Victoria event.

Over the three days, approximately 2000 people attended the Moomba site - a great result given the inclement weather Melbourne experienced over the three days.

Everyone who participated at both events was given the chance to enter a competition and take home a small gift, such as a wristband, slap band or stress ball.

Congratulations to Mr P Cook who won the CF Orr Stakes Day competition and Renske te Riele who won the major prize at Moomba, both taking home a family starter pack consisting of two Australian Open 27 inch racquets, two Australian Open 23 inch racquets, one 3.2m Wilson net and two cans of green stage tennis balls.

Additionally, there were nine minor prizes also on offer at Moomba and the following

people each won a junior starter pack consisting of one Australian Open 23 inch racquet and one can of green stage tennis balls: Carol Cui, Liz Hanley, Luisa Corrigan, Jacinta Van Eck, Clara Tang, Xan Casey, Louise Scanlan, Donna Webb and Maurice Patane.

Tennis Victoria collected contact details at both events and will use these databases to promote Tennis Victoria and the opportunities to play to help grow the wonderful sport of tennis.

members to join on the day, BLTC waived the joining fee and offered discounted membership,” said Best.

“We also gave new members a BLTC cap and bag tag to make them feel welcome and part of the club.

“With the success achieved on the day, BLTC will definitely consider holding a Club Open Day again and recommend the Club Open Day program to all clubs to promote tennis within our community.”

T he 2009 Deaflympics were held in Taipei and Australia’s tennis squad returned from a successful campaign

having secured a silver medal in the doubles.

Victorian Stephen Swann paired with Glen Flindell from Western Australia where the duo came up against the favourites, Mikael Laurent and Vincent Novelli, from France in the gold medal play-off. In 38 degree heat and a match lasting five hours, Stephen and Glen showed their true fighting spirit and never say die attitude. After narrowly losing the first two sets, the pair staged a comeback but ultimately lost the match in a fourth set tie break. The final score was 4-6 4-6 6-4 6-7.

Deaf Tennis Australia are a group of people united by deafness and their passion for the game of tennis. For more information, visit www.deaftennisaustralia.org or email [email protected].

Deaflympics

Taste test - Stephen Swann and Glenn Flindell with their silver medals.

Club Open Day SuccessClub Open Days are a great way for tennis clubs to promote their services and sign-up new members as the Beaumaris Lawn Tennis Club (BLTC) recently found out.

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MONTHlY PRiZE WiNNERS*Congratulations to the following Tennis Victoria Members who have won a tennis pack. To read more about the winners, visit the Tennis Victoria website tennis.com.au/vic (Membership/Member Benefits).

JANUARYJill Edwards of the Leongatha North Tennis Club

FEbRUARYAlan Ayre of the Bendigo Veterans/Spring Gully Tennis Club

MARCHBen Halford from Parkwood Tennis Club*Tennis Victoria randomly selects a member from our database each month to win a tennis prize pack.

PlAYER OFFERSWilSON – AVAilAblE NOW!Tennis Victoria members receive an exclusive 10% discount on Wilson tennis racquets and equipment at participating retailers during March/April 2010.

Visit the Tennis Victoria website tennis.com.au/vic (Membership/Member Benefits) for more information and a list of participating retailers.

AUSTRAliAN TENNiS MAgAZiNE Tennis Victoria members can receive the most value from this high-quality publication with a special subscription offer of $60 for 12 issues. This is a saving of $15 off the usual 12 month subscription rate, and $30 off the total cover price.To take out your subscription, simply complete and return the subscription form, available on the Tennis Victoria website tennis.com.au/vic (Membership/Member Benefits).

PRElli RACQUETSMembers can benefit from Prelli’s 20 years of experience and get a 10% discount off retail prices on tennis racquets, restrings, footwear, clothing and accessories (conditions apply – see in store for details).Visit Prelli Racquets at 207-209 Victoria Parade, Collingwood today.

RECOVER SPORTS MEdiCiNEReceive a 10% discount on physiotherapy treatments at Recover Sports Medicine Clinics (Richmond, Glen Waverley and Bayside) by presenting your membership card. Visit the Tennis Victoria website tennis.com.au/vic (Membership/ Member Benefits) for more information and location details.

HERAld SUNHave the Herald Sun home delivered from

Vtn VICTORIAN TENNIS NEWS aPril’10 tennis.com.au/vic

15 ADMINISTRATOR

A long with family and friends, the students enjoyed a BBQ brunch on the banks of the Yarra River, before

heading off to enjoy the tennis at the Australian Open.

“We would like to congratulate everyone who participated in the 2009 Future Leaders Program,” said Matt Sluggett, Tennis Victoria’s South/East Community Tennis Officer.

“Since attending the camp in June/July, each student has undertaken a volunteer project at their club, giving them invaluable

experience and the opportunity to give something back to their club.

“It was particularly pleasing to see a number of students work together on their projects, allowing them to develop important skills such as teamwork.”

Popular projects included designing club logos/t-shirts, getting involved with coaching and running tournaments/social competitions.

At the graduation, each student was presented with a certificate from Tennis

Looking To The FutureParticipants of the 2009 Future Leaders Program graduated in January with a special BBQ brunch to celebrate their achievements.

2010 SEDA Program

Participants from the 2009 Future Leaders Program

Member Benefits

The Season Of Winning

Lindsay Attwood helps a junior at Moomba.

PARTICIPATION14

T ennis Victoria’s Sports Development Program has kicked off for 2010, with 23 students participating

in the first year.

A joint initiative between Tennis Victoria, Sports Education and Development Australia (SEDA) and Victoria University, the program has been specifically designed for young people who would like to pursue a Sport and Recreation related career.

The program is based at Albert Reserve with Tennis Australia’s former Coach Development Coordinator for Victoria, Tim Bray, teaching the program.

“The students have hit the ground running, gaining ‘money can’t buy’ experiences and knowledge that will allow them to put their best foot forward in their future careers,” said Bray.

“Although only in its infancy, the program has established connections and partnerships for these students to gain a grounding in the sport and recreation industry.”

The core curriculum of the program involves theoretical and practical experience in sports administration, marketing, fitness, coaching, event/project management, literacy, numeracy and career planning.

At the end of the three-year program, students will have completed a Diploma of Sport (Development).

“I signed up to the SEDA program because I thought this was the best idea for me,” said Ashlee Stevens.

“I’m a kinesthetic learner so I’m better at learning hands-on.”

Her thoughts were echoed by another student, Lindsay Attwood, who hopes to get into tennis coaching at the end of the program.

“I wasn’t really doing that well in my academic learning at school,” said Attwood.

Victoria’s CEO, Ian Clark and two ground passes to Australian Open 2010.

Tennis Victoria would like to congratulate the following students on their achievements:Tom Scott - Clarinda Tennis Club Rebecca Pitts - Clarinda Tennis Club Stephanie Mackay - Clarinda Tennis Club John Forrest - Georges Creek Tennis Club Tom McKimmie - Georges Creek Tennis Club Sarah Gandolfo - Green Gully Tennis Club Delia Dargham - Green Gully Tennis Club Wendy Anderson - Green Gully Tennis Club Robert Cameron - Healesville Tennis Club Ricky Camilleri - Kilmore Tennis Club Sean Dobson - Lakes Entrance Tennis Club Steven Goodluck - Lakes Entrance Tennis Club Ebony Miles - Melton South Tennis Club Brendan Russell - Melton South Tennis Club Jessica Holland - Mowbray Tennis Club Adam Joliffe - Mt Prospect Tennis Club Sarah Bruce Smith - Sandford Tennis Club Adelle Scott - South Gisborne Tennis Club Gabrielle Catabua - St Paul’s Apostle Tennis Club Anthony Bortoli - St Paul’s Apostle Tennis Club Tristan Salerno - Traralgon Tennis Club Richard Kovacs - Vermont South Tennis Club Tess Giannaros - Vermont South Tennis Club Lloyd Iaccarino - Vermont South Tennis Club Aaron Boose - Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club

“So I applied for the program and fortunately I got in which was quite an achievement for me.

“I’m extremely happy I got in because I know it will do my life well and get me a good career.”

Whilst completing the course, students will be mentored by a Community Tennis Officer at Tennis Victoria.

“Tennis Victoria is very excited about partnering with SEDA and providing opportunities for secondary school students to be up-skilled within the sports administration sector and in particular, the tennis industry,” said Adam Crameri, Tennis Victoria’s Programs Manager.

“Each student will be linked to a Tennis Victoria Community Tennis Officer to assist in mentoring their development throughout the course.”

Clubs can also benefit from the program by utitlising the students at events such as tournaments, Club Open Days and fundraisers.

“We hope that students will be able to assist clubs through their own promotional strategies,” said Crameri.

If you think your club can benefit from the assistance of one (or more) of the students, please call Adam Crameri at Tennis Victoria on (03) 8420 8420 to discuss your needs.

Competition winner Gary Leech and guests thoroughly enjoyed their day in the Tennis Australia Executive Suite at Hisense Arena. Photographer: Andrew Gyopar

Congratulations to the following Tennis Victoria members who were lucky enough to win prizes in the following competitions over the Christmas/New Year period:

SPECiAl CHRiSTMAS PRiZE dRAWFamily ground pass to Australian Open 2010:David Carre (Castlemaine TC) Wayne Chasemore (Yarraman TC) Peter Denning (Nunawading TC) Mick Reidy (Wangaratta LTC) Albert Stasi (Buckley Park TC)Double ground pass to Australian Open 2010:Ebbie Britto (Whites Lane TC) Alex Daly (Jingellic/Walwa and District TA) Shaun Dare (Gracedale Park TC) Tali Eades (Royal South Yarra LTC) Erin Foster (Montmorency TC) Thomas Haynes (Wodonga TC) Susan Limbrick (Yarraville TC) Pierre Marcelino (Nottinghill Pinewood TC) Lahni McKenzie (Lilydale TC) Michelle McMahon (Warncoort TC) Laura Mitchel (Royal South Yarra LTC) Michael Muratori (Grovedale TC) Lachlan Nugara (Fountain Gate TC) Lisa O’Keefe (Robinvale Lawn TC) Chelsea Osborne (HE Parker Reserve)

Mon-Sun for just $6.95 per week, a saving of 29% (conditions apply).Visit the Tennis Victoria website tennis.com.au/vic (Membership/Member Benefits) for more information.

iNTREPid TRAVElFor travellers with a yearning to get off the beaten track, Intrepid opens up a whole new world – real people, real cultures and incredible real life experiences.Intrepid Travel offers Tennis Victoria Members 7% off their global adventures and will donate an additional 3% to the Neale Fraser Foundation from all bookings received. Full offer details are available online at www.intrepidtravel.com/tennisvic.

ClUb OFFERSWilSON SPORTiNg gOOdSWilson Sporting Goods offers Tennis Victoria Affiliates the opportunity to purchase Wilson Australian Open tennis balls at discounted prices.Please visit tennis.com.au/vic (Clubs/Affiliation) to download your order form or call 8420 8420.

MOMENTUM ENERgY Momentum Energy offers clubs great energy rates and “cash back” to go towards your club’s development. With better customer service and green energy for businesses, Momentum Energy can help Tennis Victoria clubs to SWITCH, NOW SAVE.Call 1800 SWITCH (1800 794 824) to speak with the Tennis Victoria Account Manager today.

Nicola Riseborough (Cobram Lawn TC) Jackie Tracy (Tennis Victoria direct member) Colin Watt (Miller Park TC)

HOT OFF THE COURT COMPETiTiON Two tickets to the men’s semifinal at Australian Open 2010Courtney Dobbyn (Ballarat Regional TC)

RECEiVE HOT OFF THE COURT ANd WiN Two tickets to the men’s final at Australian Open 2010Trevor Holt (Swan Hill LTC)

AUSTRAliAN OPEN 2010 HOSPiTAliTY COMPETiTiON First Prize: six seats in a Tennis Australia Executive Suite at Hisense Arena during Australian Open 2010Gary Leech (Knox City TC)Second Prize: four seats in a Tennis Australia Executive Suite at Hisense Arena during Australian Open 2010Peter Deveson (St Judes Scoresby TC)“On behalf of the Ferraras I would like to thank Tennis Victoria for the wonderful day we had

yesterday as your guests at the Australian Open. A memorable experience and we were well and truly pampered.” – Peter DevesonTennis Victoria also used the Australian Open as an opportunity to thank sponsors and stakeholders for their support over the past year by hosting them in corporate hospitality at Hisense Arena during the first week.“It is a day I really love and it was nice to catch up with people I have met over the last couple of years,” said Susie Strangward, Vice President of Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club.“It is all very relaxing and you make us feel so welcome.”

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