Today Tennis ACT hosted the Volunteer Function, an event that recognises and celebrates the fantastic work our volunteers do across the ACT and region.
Tennis ACT Kim Kachel said the event was a celebration of dedication, commitment and community spirit, “2020 has been a year like no other. Faced with unprecedented adversity, and various challenges, the tennis community in the ACT and region rallied together and showed its incredible resilience and adaptability”.
Thanks to ANZ the winner received $5000 to their local tennis club, this can be used towards club improvements including; clubhouse upgrades, maintenance, equipment, uniforms and much more.
The winner of the 2020 Volunteer Achievement Award was Janet Bruce from Belconnen Tennis Club.
Janet has been a key
figure in the development of Belconnen Tennis Club, and continues to champion
positive change for the benefit of the broader community and the sport of
tennis.
Janet has been a
club member for 44 years, and was made a life member in 2010.
There is no role
that Janet can’t do including social media, marketing, maintenance, club
history, fundraising campaigns, grant applications, sponsorship and is a huge
advocate for diversity inclusion and women in sport.
On top of that
Janet held the Club President position for a total of 7 years. During her
president role, she achieved club facilities upgrades including the gazebo, BBQ,
landscaped area, PVC fencing of courts, a new hitting wall and the clubhouse
kitchen renovated.
Janet’s approach
to think outside the box is outstanding, and a perfect example of this was
developing the ‘1 court 1 hour’ social tennis sessions. These sessions were
developed after the lockdown period and is targeted towards those women with
changed work conditions, such as working from home or part-time.
This year, she
organised spring cleaning of the clubhouse, re-oiled the gazebo, and during the
COVID lockdown and volunteered with another member, to take the opportunity to
repaint the benches and seating.
Janet was instrumental in developing the Women’s Tennis Network into the clubs tri-weekly social tennis sessions. While successful in terms of numbers, the sessions became increasingly dominated by men. Women, being fewer in number and a low return rate for women participants.
Since its
inception in 2018, 79 women from a diverse range of ages, cultural backgrounds
and locations have participated in women’s social tennis through the Women’s
Tennis Network. From one court initially, four courts are now regularly needed. It has attracted women who otherwise would
have not been engaged, or tried out tennis.
Many participants
provided glowing testimonials, saying if it wasn’t for Janet they wouldn’t of got
on court. Her motivation, enthusiasm and friendship has helped them play in a
supportive and friendly environment.
A big congratulations
to all finalists;
Donna Smith from Melba Tennis Club
Graeme Rossiter from Weston Creek Tennis Club
Janet Bruce from Belconnen Tennis Club
Jean Penny from Melba Tennis Club
Jonathan Mandl from Eastlake Tennis Club
Terry Lenard from North Woden Tennis Club
Terry Walker from Reid Tennis Club
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