23 April 2026 | Tennis Victoria

Tennis Victoria is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Victorian Community Tennis Awards, a celebration of the passionate individuals, clubs, schools, and initiatives that make tennis thrive across the state.

Tennis Victoria CEO, Kim Kachel congratulates all finalists for their contribution to the Victorian tennis community and is looking forward to recognising their achievements over the past year.

“The Victorian Community Tennis Awards shine a light on the passion that sits at the heart of our sport. From dedicated volunteers and coaches to clubs, schools and inclusion initiatives, we’re proud to celebrate the individuals and organisations whose passion continues to strengthen the game at every level.”

The 2026 awards ceremony will be held at the iconic Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club on Thursday 28 May from 7 PM on the back of National Volunteers Week.

On-court performance categories have been moved to a separate event, the Tennis Victoria Player Awards, later in the year to provide dedicated recognition of Victorian tennis success.

Winners of the Victorian Community Tennis Awards may also be nominated for the prestigious Australian Tennis Awards, including the Newcombe Medal, in selected categories.

The coveted Victorian Spirit of Tennis Award will also be presented on the night.

 

Congratulations to the 2026 Finalists

 

Following a competitive nomination process, selection panels have named finalists across seven award categories:

 

Most Outstanding Club or Centre

• Ferntree Gully Tennis Club
• Mornington Tennis Centre
• Powlett Reserve Tennis Club

Coaching Excellence – Club or Centre

• James Wong – Liston Tennis Club
• Max lambert and Charlie Corsini – Fawkner Park Tennis Centre
• Nicole Bauer – Bionic Tennis Coaching

Volunteer of the Year

• Ann bailey – Ferntree Gully Tennis Club
• Robert Fletcher – Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria
• Sam Ebert – Wodonga Tennis Centre

Most Outstanding Tournament

• 2025 O3K J250 ALCTA Mornington Peninsula
• Victoria Beach Tennis Open 2026
• Wangaratta Lawn Australia Day Tournament

Most Outstanding School

• Maribyrnong College
• St Albans Primary School
• Wahgunyah Primary School

Most Outstanding Inclusion Initiative

• Introduction to Tennis – Women and Girls Program – Hadfield Tennis Club
• Liston Club Championships – Liston Tennis Club
• Social tennis roadshow – Australia Melbourne Chinese Tennis Association
• The Hands Up for Tennis Program – Doncaster Tennis Club

Excellence in Officiating

• Anthony Warland
• Dianne Larkin
• Margaret Etta

Serve the Game

• Advita Dinesh
• Alastair Fleming 
• Anton Zambzhytski

Event Details

2026 Victorian Community Tennis Awards

Date: Thursday 28 May

Time: 7 PM

Venue: Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club

Purchase your tickets via Eventbrite.