Mooroopna Lawn Tennis Club has long been a heartbeat of regional tennis, but during the 2026 Tennis Victoria Country Week, 9-13 February, the club joined with Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club to find a new way to strengthen its future. The Mooroopna club realised they weren’t properly set up to take advantage of the program. And they wanted to change that.

Throughout Country Week, Mooroopna volunteers placed dedicated Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) bins around the venue to collect eligible drink containers. The scheme is a recycling initiative offering a 10-cent refund for each eligible drink container returned at hundreds of refund points across Victoria

Every can and bottle dropped in was more than just recycling, it was a small investment in the club’s junior program. With tennis balls costing up to $1,000 a year, the club hopes CDS Vic refunds can eventually cover the full annual cost of balls for their juniors.

The club raised around $600-$700 raised during Country Week this year.

For the President Michael, who has led the club for a decade, the initiative fits perfectly with Mooroopna’s mission. The club has built a strong junior pathway, from Hot Shots through to competitive squads, and every dollar raised helps keep tennis accessible for local kids.

What makes Mooroopna’s story powerful is how replicable it is. Even without being formally signed up to CDS Vic, the club found a simple, immediate way to start collecting containers and turning them into community benefit. Their next step is to work directly with CDS Vic to get properly set up and maximise the opportunity.

Mooroopna’s experience shows that any club, big or small, can start today. A few bins, a bit of awareness, and a willingness to try something new can turn recycling into real impact for grassroots tennis.

Tennis Victoria and CDS Vic are encouraging more clubs to get involved in the scheme.

“CDS Vic gives clubs a simple way to raise much needed funds and reduce waste,” said Matt Davis, CEO of scheme coordinator VicReturn.

“It’s a win for the community and a win for the environment,” he said.

Drop off your eligible drink containers at your local tennis club to support grassroots tennis or select your club as the payout option when returning at a CDSVic refund point.

To learn more about Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme or find your closest refund point, visit cdsvic.org.au.