When Darren Wunderer first became active with Henley South Tennis Club in metropolitan Adelaide some 30 years ago, it\u2019s doubtful he could imagine the long journey ahead. It\u2019s equally unlikely that the talented young player, who\u2019d committed to tennis after first participating in cricket and football, would realise that his biggest service would ultimately come off the court.<\/p>\n
Within a few years of joining the club committee in 1992, Wunderer became the youngest President in the club\u2019s long history at age 22.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe didn\u2019t know when we got there but the club had lost a core group of players and committee members,\u201d said the South Australian, who first played at Henley South with his brother as a teenager. \u201cSo it wasn\u2019t long before I offered to get involved and encouraged a number of friends to join. I guess the rest is history.\u201d<\/p>\n
That history includes many new highs for both Henley South and the dedicated volunteer. Having donated his time to everything from organising social activities to securing critical facility upgrades, Wunderer has helped the 10-court club becoming one of the nation\u2019s most thriving tennis communities.<\/p>\n
After struggling to survive several decades ago, Henley South was named Tennis SA\u2019s Most Outstanding Club in 2011 and recognised as the Most Outstanding Club at the Australian Tennis Awards in 2018.<\/p>\n
Wunderer\u2019s individual honours are equally profound. The recipient of Tennis SA\u2019s Volunteer Achievement Award in 2019, the South Australian was also honoured at national level at the Australian Tennis Awards.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really proud that we\u2019ve built the club up from when I first started back in the 90s, to a really strong powerful club, with a great culture,\u201d said Wunderer on accepting the Volunteer Achievement Award from fellow South Australian John Fitzgerald last year. \u201c(There are) lots of families, a fantastic committee and lots of young people involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Such a community focus is critical for the hard-working Wunderer, who was initially driven by the clear need he recognised at his local club. With a \u201cpersonal belief in liking things to be done as well as possible\u201d as another motivator, Wunderer\u2019s passion to contribute has grown with time.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the years I guess it\u2019s got a bit bigger picture, playing my part in ensuring the continued success of grassroots tennis in metro Adelaide,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
Wunderer carries that outlook into another volunteering role as President of the Western Districts Tennis Association, where he is supported by a progressive team.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got a great team that I work closely with, to ensure that not just my club but also the other clubs in the district continue to be sustainable and have a good competition to play in,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
While multiple volunteering commitments create a busy lifestyle, Wunderer firmly believes that any challenges are balanced by the multitude of rewards.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing out of your comfort zone is a good challenge to have,\u201d he said, noting the deep connections he\u2019s developed in the sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiving back to the local community and having a lot of fun is important, seeing how much people enjoy coming or just playing tennis in general. I\u2019ve learned a lot of new skills over the years, but I guess the main reward is being involved in the sport you\u2019re most passionate about.\u201d<\/p>\n
Volunteering has also helped the South Australian develop skills that support him in other areas of life.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has helped me a lot with my work \u2013 especially leadership and teamwork and getting people involved,\u201d noted Wunderer, who is a Team Manager and Senior Relationships Manager with Statewide Super in South Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cA big one for me is compassion and respect, and listening, gaining and sharing your knowledge. Communicating with a variety of people \u2013 kids, adults, parents and coaches \u2013 and just being willing to pitch in and help, and trying to share that value with others.\u201d<\/p>\n