9 February 2026 | Tennis Victoria

The 2026 Tennis Victoria Country Week event has begun with the announcement of new Country Week Legends.

Belinda Downs, Greg Edward, John Rheinberger, and Rod Wilson were announced as the newest Country Week Legends by Tennis Victoria CEO Kim Kachel, adding to the current collection of Legends.

“This year, we are excited to welcome four outstanding individuals into the 2026 Country Week Legends. Their dedication, passion for the game, and sportsmanship have left an enduring mark on the tournament. We can’t wait to celebrate their achievements alongside past Legends and honour the legacy they continue to build,” Kachel said. 

Get to know the 2026 Tennis Victoria Country Week Legends:

Belinda Downs

Belinda has been attending and playing at Country Week for more than 35 years, missing only one or two events during that time. Her commitment is nothing short of remarkable, even after relocating to North Queensland, she has continued to make the journey back to Victoria year after year to be part of Country Week, a true testament to her passion and dedication to the event.

A familiar face to generations of players, Belinda is a genuine Country Week icon. She is a social butterfly, known and loved by all who attend. On court, Belinda is a fierce yet fair competitor who has played at the highest level, winning multiple finals across the years. Off court, she is just as memorable, renowned for her infectious energy, magical dance moves, legendary stamina, and her unmatched ability to light up any room. Belinda’s positivity, sportsmanship, and decades of involvement have helped shape a supportive culture that welcomes players of all abilities. 

Beyond the courts, Belinda continues to make an outstanding contribution to tennis through her weekly radio segment, “At the Net”, on 98.5 One FM Shepparton. Through this platform, she champions local tennis, celebrating achievements at every level, from social players to elite competitors, across both the Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association and the Shepparton District competitions. Her commentary is friendly, uplifting and community-focused, helping listeners feel connected to the local tennis scene.

Belinda’s coverage goes beyond scores and results. She shares stories, celebrates effort, encourages participation, and inspires people of all ages to stay active and enjoy tennis. She also uses her platform to promote Country Week to the wider community, encouraging players to experience the magic of this iconic event.

Through more than three decades of unwavering involvement, on-court success, off-court leadership, and community advocacy, Belinda Downs has made an immeasurable impact on Country Week and Victorian tennis. 

Greg Edwards

Greg has been attending Country Week since around 1988, giving him close to four decades of involvement in one of Victorian tennis’ most cherished traditions. Over that time, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the Country Week experience for countless players, organising teams, reshuffling line-ups, and introducing new players to the event, many of whom have gone on to return year after year with teams of their own.

While Greg may modestly say he has only won one flag and come close on a few other occasions, his love for Country Week has never been measured by results alone. For Greg, it has always been about the week itself, the tennis, the friendships, the shared experiences, and the unique spirit that makes Country Week so special.

Beyond Country Week, Greg has made a significant contribution to tennis at a grassroots level. As a past club and association president of Yarram and District, and a past president of Korumburra Tennis Club, he understands firsthand the work required to keep clubs and competitions thriving. That understanding continues to show through his ongoing involvement, pitching in at working bees, attending social hits and events, and stepping in wherever help is needed.

Greg is the embodiment of the quiet achiever. He gives his time generously, leads by example, and contributes without seeking recognition or fanfare. In fact, his reluctance toward being honoured by this nomination reflects exactly the character that makes him so deserving of it.

John Rheinberger

John has been playing some form of Country Week tennis for over 40 years, approximately 20 years at Victorian Country Week, and a further 20 years prior at NSW Country Week. Now 78 years old and approaching his 80th birthday, John is still going strong. Remarkably, until as recently as last year, he was competing in the second-highest grade, a reflection of both his enduring skill and fierce competitiveness.

John lives and breathes tennis. Beyond his own playing achievements, he is the heart and soul of the Merimbula Bunnies, serving as organiser, captain, coach, manager and statistician. From entries and accommodation to team shirts, travel logistics and match stats, John does it all, often without anyone even realising the extent of the work involved.

John’s contribution to tennis extends far beyond Country Week. He has held committee positions for the majority of his life, continues to organise and run the Merimbula Seniors Tournament, and regularly volunteers at junior tournaments. His knowledge and love of the game are unmatched, he can recall almost every shot he has ever played, stays up late watching tennis on television, and remains deeply engaged with the sport at all levels.

Those who know John know that Thursday and Saturday are tennis days, and that mid-February is reserved for Country Week, without exception. While he remains fiercely competitive on court, he is also deeply committed to the broader tennis community, contributing generously of his time, energy and experience. He epitomises the true spirit of Country Week: quality tennis, wide social connections, and genuine camaraderie.

As an avid lover of the sport and a tireless contributor for decades, John is not only a Country Week Legend, he is a true Victorian tennis legend. 

Rod Wilson

Rod began his Country Week journey back in 1985, competing in the then VTA Country Week held at Junction Oval. In 1996, alongside a group of friends, he made the decision to give VCTA Country Week a try, a decision that has clearly stood the test of time. Today, Rod is one of only two original ‘Mud Islanders’ still attending Country Week, an extraordinary achievement and a testament to his long-standing commitment to the event.

Across nearly 40 years of Country Week involvement, Rod has spent close to 25 years competing in the top grade, highlighting both his ability and longevity at the highest level of the competition. He has been a driving force behind the Mud Island team, playing a major role in its instigation and taking immense pride in the many teams that Mud Island continues to enter each year.

Over the decades, Rod has made countless friends (and, by his own admission, perhaps a few enemies), becoming a well-known and colourful character within the Country Week community. 

As a team leader, Rod sets the standard. He takes charge of entries and organisation, ensures team shirts are sorted, and brings people together both on and off the court. Above all, he embraces what Country Week is all about, strong competition, good mateship, and enjoying a cold beveredge and plenty of banter with players after the match.

For his decades of dedication, leadership, and unmistakable presence at Country Week, Rod has made an indelible mark on the event

About the 2026 event

Tennis Victoria Country Week is running from Sunday 8 February to Friday 13 February 2026 at the Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club and Mooroopna Recreation Reserve. Teams will participate in four days of round robin competition to determine the top four teams per section to play in the semifinals on Thursday afternoon. The finals will be held on Friday 13 February from 9am.