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30 August 2018 | Tennis ACT

The countdown is on to the annual Tennis ACT Awards. A night which celebrates and recognises the performances, achievements and contributions made by members of the tennis community.

There are 15 categories that will be awarded on the night, including the Volunteer Achievement Award. Canberra and region are fortunate to have hundreds of incredible volunteers that make specific contributions to our sport every year.

Thanks to Tennis ACT’s partner ANZ, the lucky winner of the Volunteer Achievement Award will receive an all expenses trip to the Australian Open 2019. This ultimate prize includes flights, accommodation and tickets for two people. The winner will also represent the ACT at the national Newcombe Medal Awards, held in Melbourne in November.

Take a look at the impressive finalists from across the ACT:

Barbara Tai, Belconnen Tennis Club

Barbara has been a member of Belconnen Tennis Club and an active, unpaid volunteer committee member for over five years.

Barbara has undertaken the membership secretary role for many years before more recently taking on the role supporting the Book A Court implementation and delivery. Barbara has a range of talents, including overlooking the bulk of membership activities, managing the clubs electronic communications and assisting in the organisations social events.

Barbara is an active and competitive player participating in pennants, local and district tournaments, and organises regular social tennis hits for friends and team mates.  Most recently Barbara has taken the time to support the Women’s Tennis Network initiative, which aims to provide a venue and opportunity for women players to develop their skills and to socialise.

Barbara has also been a great support for the clubs Open Days and social events which encourage new members and help create the sense of community within the club.

 

Frank Perkovic, the Pines Tennis Club

Frank joined the Pines Tennis Club committee in 2010. Since being on the committee Frank is known as the ‘go to man’ of the club. He is involved in all club activities whether it be pennant or club social tennis, committee meetings, social events and fundraising.  Frank works tirelessly, he is very thorough, dedicated and respected.

In 2014 Frank was instrumental in the upgrade of LED lighting for the four courts, including managing contractors and installation.

Recently Frank negotiated the renewal contract for the Club Coach in January 2017. Frank has also stepped up as Club President when required over the years.

 

Geoff Woods, Barton Tennis Club

A dedicated member of Barton Tennis Club, Geoff has been the driving force behind major projects to help improve the club and its facilities. Major projects include new perimeter fencing, upgrade to the clubhouse and installation of the Book A Court system.

These initiatives have helped ensure that club is an attractive option for not only new members, but also the increasing the younger generation who may like to book the courts electronically and use them on a more casual basis.

Geoff has been instrumental in the not only the viability of the Book A Court, but also the glue that has held things together during the tough times. Luckily, for Book A Court and the sport Geoff is showing no signs of slowing down, his presence at the club will ensure the success for many years to come.

 

Graham Hamilton, Kippax Tennis Club

Graham has been part of the fabric of the Club since its inception in the early 1980s.

As club President, Graham’s most significant achievement was the refurbishment of the four courts which was completed in early 2017. The refurbishment consisted of new fencing and synthetic surface. Underpinning Graham’s success was using his skills to get people involved, including seeking sponsorship and funding from local businesses and lobbying with local government and Tennis ACT.

Graham continues to maintain the club’s sponsorship board, established when he was President and a program that continues to raise over $3500 of annual sponsorship dollars from local businesses.

Graham also regularly approaches local business for donations towards the monthly meat raffle, and sources club volunteers to sell tickets. To date this initiatives has raised in excess of $1000 within an eight-month period, funds that go directly back into the club.

 

Sue Cowie, Melba Tennis Club

Sue has been the President of the Melba Tennis Club since October 2011 and has been proactive in her approach to the position.

Sue was instrumental in the club taking on the Book A Court program, she could see the benefits of this program and lobbied the benefits to the committee.

Sue regularly attends the forums hosted by Tennis ACT to ensure Melba Tennis Club is represented and to learn, gain any knowledge or ideas that the club can implement which will increase the membership base, income streams and exposure.

Sue has been instrumental in obtaining prizes for raffles from local supermarkets and other businesses which have helped the club raise funds for infrastructure improvements. Sue is a hands on President, always helping out at any function that the club hosts such as, cake stalls, JDS tournaments and the Yvonne Goolagong come and try day.

 

Tennis ACT wish all the nominees the best of luck, and look forward to celebrating with you on the night!