2 October 2025 | Tennis Victoria

The winners of the Manningham Council’s 2025 Citizen of the Year awards were announced at an awards ceremony hosted by the Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, on Wednesday 16 September at the Manningham Function Centre.

The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and groups over the past 12 months.

Bulleen Tennis Club received the Active Community Award, with council noting: “Under the committee’s leadership, the club’s facilities have been transformed with upgrades including court resurfacing and new lighting. Membership has grown by more than 70% with expanded junior and senior competitions, veterans’ tennis and social play.”

This is a huge achievement for the club and its members. Under the leadership of President Kimon Pappas, who earlier this year was named Tennis Victoria’s Most Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, the club has undergone a remarkable transformation. Membership is projected to reach 400 by the end of 2025, with court usage more than tripling.

Major works have been central to the club’s growth. Courts 7 and 8 have recently been upgraded, with funding contributions from the State Government via the North East Link Community Fund, Manningham Council and Tennis Australia’s National Court Rebate. The finishing touch will be a blue acrylic top surface, matching the iconic Australian Open courts. Plans are also in place to resurface courts 9 and 10, shifting them from clay to hard courts in the current financial year. These upgrades will give Bulleen Tennis Club a unique edge, with eight hardcourts and two clay courts, positioning the club as a premier venue for junior tournaments.

The story of Bulleen Tennis Club is also one of strong partnerships. The club has worked closely with the State Government, Council, Tennis Victoria and Tennis Australia to secure investment, align strategic priorities, and ensure the upgrades deliver real community outcomes. This collaboration has been instrumental not only in improving the facilities, but also in driving growth in participation and strengthening the club’s role as a community hub.

The club has also invested in accessibility, with new disability-friendly entrances and pathways, and continues to celebrate its strong coaching community, including long-time coach Russell Cornehls, who is a well loved member of the Bulleen Tennis Club community.

The club is also home to professional player Jaimee Fourlis, who has trained and competed at Bulleen for many years. Her connection underscores the club’s standing as a high-performance environment with the facilities, coaching and culture to support athletes pursuing the professional pathway.

Kimon’s strategic vision has boosted financial stability, expanded programs for juniors, seniors and veterans, and strengthened governance to ensure long-term success. Through partnerships with Manningham Council, Tennis Victoria and local organisations, he has elevated BTC’s profile, with the club named WDTA Premier Club in 2024.

Commenting on the Manningham award, Kimon said:“This is a wonderful recognition of all the hard work, commitment, and passion that our team and members continue to put into making BTC a thriving community club.”

He also extended his gratitude to the club community: “Thank you all for your ongoing dedication – this award belongs to every one of us.”