Melbourne, Australia, 20 August 2012 | Tennis Australia

Tennis Australia has been recognised at the Melbourne Awards of 2012 thanks to the contribution of the Australian Open to the city’s profile.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley accepted the award on behalf of Tennis Australia, which was presented by Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle in the “Contribution to Profile by a Corporation” category.

This category of award celebrated projects, activities and events that have solidified Melbourne’s reputation as a leader in shopping, business, sport, entertainment and culture.

Australian Open 2012 was a prime candidate for the award – almost 690,000 people came through its gates and the tournament was broadcast on 36 television networks in approximately 200 countries.

It showcased Melbourne’s premier sporting precinct to an international audience and attracted more than 100,000 visitors to the city, making a significant contribution to Melbourne’s economy.

It was the 10th anniversary of the Melbourne Awards, which this year were held on Saturday night at the Melbourne Town Hall.

The judging panel consisted of more than 40 business and community leaders across a range of industry sectors, who chose winners and finalists based on an application and interview process.

Music entrepreneur Michael Gudinski was honoured as the Melburnian of the Year.

Others awarded for their contributions to the city’s profile, community and sustainability were Vasili Kanidiadis of Vasili’s Garden, Hatem Saleh of the Atlantic Group, Melbourne Heart FC and Keep Cup.