18 November 2019 | Tennis Victoria

Tennis Victoria is today congratulating Brian Grace, Dylan Alcott OAM, Phillip Goodman, Ray Reymers, Yvonne Fantin and Kyvalley Tennis Club, after receiving word that they have been named a finalist for the Australian Tennis Awards.

The Australian Tennis Awards celebrate and recognise the performances, achievements and contributions made by members of the tennis family each year.

Following the eighth annual Tennis Victoria Champion Dinner in October, Victorian winners from all categories were automatically nominated for the national awards. They joined a pool of nominees from all other states and territories and then shortlisted as finalists.

Falling just short of an historic calendar-year Grand Slam in 2019, Alcott has now received his third finalist nod in four years – winning the 2016 Newcombe Medal.

Name	Category
Dylan Alcott OAM	Newcombe Medal finalist Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability
Phillip Goodman	Excellence in Officiating
Ray Reymers	Volunteer Achievement
Yvonne Fantin	Coaching Excellence Club
Kyvalley Tennis Club	Most Outstanding Club
Brian Grace (wildcard)	Excellence in Officiating

 

Tennis Victoria CEO, Ruth Holdaway MBE is thrilled to see such significant representation at the National Awards.

“Huge congratulations from Tennis Victoria to Brian, Dylan, Phillip, Ray, Yvonne, and the wonderful people at Kyvalley Tennis Club,” Holdaway said.

“It is fantastic that our volunteers, coaches and clubs are recognised in this way. Of course, it is not just the last twelve months of work that is recognised but years of commitment back to their communities. All of us at Tennis Victoria are hugely grateful for their involvement in the delivery of our sport.

“I look forward to seeing them all at the Newcombe Medal awards ceremony and wish them all the best luck – I have my fingers crossed for them all!” she said.

The Newcombe Medal will be held on Monday 2 December in the Palladium Ballroom at Melbourne’s Crown Entertainment Complex.

Reigning Newcombe medallists, World No.1, Ash Barty and World No.18, Alex de Minaur will be in attendance along with legends and volunteers from the Australian tennis community.

 

Find out more about the Victorian finalists:

Excellence in Officiating – Phillip Goodman

Phillip Goodman has claimed the Excellence in Officiating title in the second installment of the award.

Phillip understands the need to bring people along the officiating journey by asking and leading by example.

Phillip is prepared to work in whichever role is required and is often mentoring in other disciplines and traveling interstate.

Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability and Newcombe Medal finalist – Dylan Alcott

Dylan Alcott has added to his growing list of accolades after being award the Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability for the fifth time in six years.

Dylan continues to be a positive role model for not only other tennis players and athletes with a disability but the wider community.

Over the nomination period, Dylan regained his No.1 ranking after winning the AO in 2019 and went on to win the inaugural Quad event at the French Open (Quad singles and doubles) and Wimbledon (Quad singles and doubles).

Dylan has now competed in and won all four Grand Slams.

He continues to represent tennis with humility; competing to the end, committed to the process and is respectful of his environment and fellow players.

Volunteer Achievement – Ray Reymers

A busy and productive year has seen Ray Reymers presented with the Volunteer Achievement award.

President of the Coburg Tennis Club, Ray’s proactive nature, willingness to try new things and overall enthusiasm has seen him significantly contribute to the ongoing success of the club.

During Ray’s time as President, the club has installed LED lights and Book A Court, developed ANZ Tennis Hot Shot courts, undergone refurbishments to the kitchen and introduced online memberships.

This has culminated in substantial income generated for the club which has been reinvested in other areas such as improved heating, painting and refurbishing.

Coaching Excellence Club or Centre – Yvonne Fantin

With over 20 years coaching experience, Topseed Tennis’ Yvonne Fantin has taken out the 2018/19 Coaching Excellence – Club or Centre title.

Yvonne delivers a comprehensive, innovative and inclusive coaching program that offers pathways for players from a beginner level all the way to the elite level.

Whilst Yvonne’s formal role is to manage and deliver all coaching services at West Lalor Tennis Club, she delivers much more than that and is an ambassador for the club and game of tennis in the local community.

Yvonne runs a number of programs to foster the inclusion of underrepresented groups in tennis, including people with disabilities, multicultural communities, children with autism and people who identify as LGBTIQ.

Most Outstanding Club or Centre – Kyvalley Tennis Club

Kyvalley Tennis Club has taken out the 2018/19 Most Outstanding Club or Centre.

Kyvalley is a small club doing big things. The community of 329 permanent residents incorporates a hall, community park / pool, and the tennis club.

Nestled amongst dairy farms about two and a half hours from Melbourne, the club and its facilities are driven by the community.

With drought and economic conditions impacting the livelihoods of the local residents, the club is striving – and succeeding – in providing a social outlet that brings the community together.

The little club has a big heart that helps keep the community alive and has seen significant growth over the past year, including a 149 per cent membership increase, from 105 to 261.

The club also completed two major infrastructure additions in the last year after securing funding through a Community Shade Grant and Pick My Project.