Hervey Bay, Queensland, 11 October 2013 | Leigh Rogers

As the AO Blitz makes its way around Australia, it is highlighting how the sport can unite communities.

This was evident in Hervey Bay in Queensland, where tennis is thriving. The Hervey Bay and District Tennis Association upgraded its facilities earlier this year, which included the installation of three MLC Tennis Hot Shots courts and a clubhouse renovation. The $110,000 upgrade was funded through club fundraising efforts and community support.

Hervey Bay resident Beryl Natoli can attest to the community spirit in the area.

Natoli, a former Gold Coast resident and a life member at the Tweed Heads Tennis Club, is now a committee member with the Hervey Bay and District Tennis Association.

“It’s a fantastic club and the atmosphere around it is just brilliant,” she said.

Read the full story at aoblitz.com.au, where you can register and see the full list of challenges. You can also follow online at facebook.com/AOBlitz and on Twitter @aoblitz.