25 October 2016 | Tennis Victoria

Four long serving volunteers from the Traralgon Tennis Association have been awarded Tennis Victoria Tennis Service Awards at the annual Latrobe City Traralgon ATP Challenger Ladies Lunch.

Jill Brock, Val Kennedy, Wendy Moore and Pat Murdoch were surprised with the honour at the special lunch as the international event continued on court.

A Life Member of the Traralgon Tennis Association, Val Kennedy has been a member of the general committee for over 20 years, and was instrumental in the construction of the current Traralgon Tennis Association when it was built in 1982.

“We are here because we love it, we enjoy what we do and we work as a team,” commented Val. “It’s fantastic to see what our efforts are and to get great feedback, the kids and everyone love coming to Traralgon because they know they’ll be looked after. We’re all part of the looking after team.”

Also a Life Member, Jill Brock has been a part of the general committee for over 30 years and has fulfilled the role of Grounds and Maintenance person for over 20 years.

“I’ve volunteered for many many years and I treat this like a big backyard and like my own home. I love the people here and I’ll be here as long as I can be,” Jill said.

Part of the Traralgon Tennis Association since 1983 and a Life Member, Pat Murdoch has been actively involved in many volunteer roles over the decades. Pat was President of the Ladies Committee for 17 years from 1992 to 2009, and has been instrumental in creating a strong and friendly Mid-Week Ladies Competition which has done a lot of fundraising for the hospital and other charities in the area.

“I volunteer because I just get so much out of it, I find I get more than I put out and I’ve made wonderful friendships here and it’s my second home,” Pat said.

Wendy Moore, who organises the Tuesday Ladies Lunch, also received an award for her contribution to Victorian Tennis. Wendy has been a member of the Traralgon Tennis Association General Committee for over 10 years and has been the President of the Ladies Committee since 2010.

“I just love the place, it’s just good to be around. When you see 90 women up there today thoroughly enjoying themselves – that’s what makes it all worthwhile,” said an emotional Wendy.

Tennis Victoria’s Tennis Service Awards recognise and acknowledge devoted and significant service to one or more of the State’s affiliated tennis clubs and / or associations and / or member organisations.