The Victorian Community Tennis Awards recognise Victoria’s on and off court success in a community tennis celebration. Congratulations to the following finalists for the Most Outstanding Tournament award!
2025 O3K J250 ALCTA Mornington Peninsula Premier Junior Tour & Open
From its foundations in 2020 to a record-breaking 2025 season, this tournament has become a standout example of community-driven growth, innovation, and player-first delivery—earning its place as a Tennis Victoria Community Awards finalist.
The 2025 tournament marked its biggest year yet, welcoming 344 players (+17%), 468 entries (+17%), and delivering 524 matches, cementing its status as the largest event in the tournament’s history. Since launching in 2021 after a COVID-related cancellation in 2020, total player participation has soared from 122 to 344, representing an extraordinary 180% increase in just four years.
This rapid growth led to the introduction of a third venue in 2025, expanding the tournament’s footprint across Rye Tennis Club, Dromana Tennis Club, and Rosebud Tennis Club. Matches were delivered across multiple days at each venue, with court usage increasing to 26 courts across the opening days, and further expansion on day four.
Local businesses played a major role through a catering partnership between ALC Tennis Academy, Deli On Lloyd, and Buckley Sorrento, providing players and spectators with a high-quality tournament canteen experience, while actively supporting the local economy.
In 2024, a partnership with HEAD Sporting Goods further elevated the player experience, supplying tournament-specific balls, equipment access, and pro shop offerings with player discounts, alongside strong community-focused promotion through digital channels.
Innovation remained central in 2025 with the introduction of ScoreBuzzer live scoring, a first for a list-view tournament format. Players and spectators embraced the ability to view live scores across all courts, improving match flow, efficiency, and engagement. The system was successfully extended to the 20K Signature Open, with future plans now exploring live streaming opportunities.
With record participation, expanded venues, innovative technology, and deep local partnerships, this tournament exemplifies what community tennis can achieve—making it a deserving finalist in the Tennis Victoria Community Awards.
Victoria Beach Tennis Open 2026
The Victoria Beach Tennis Open 2026 delivered the largest beach tennis event ever hosted in Melbourne, staged at St Kilda West Beach during the Australian Open period. The tournament attracted 100 local, interstate, and international athletes and featured a full Pro-Am format, Masters events, ITF BT10 Men’s and Women’s draws, and the first-ever ITF Mixed BT10 event held in Australia, awarding international ranking points.
Delivered by a four-person organising committee and 10 volunteers, the event was recognised for its exceptional planning, athlete-first delivery, and smooth execution of a complex multi-category international tournament. Player experience was prioritised through on-site physiotherapy, professional photography, extensive shade infrastructure, refreshments, and strong welfare support.
A standout feature was the creation of Australia’s only Beach Tennis Pride Hub, delivered in partnership with Proud2Play, reinforcing the event’s commitment to inclusion, visibility, and belonging.
Supported by Tennis Australia, Port Phillip Council, West Beach Pavilion, and local sponsors, the tournament blended elite competition with a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. A dedicated “Come and Try” court further supported grassroots engagement, while strong national and international promotion drove broad participation.
With its elite-level delivery, inclusive culture, and lasting community impact, the Victoria Beach Tennis Open 2026 is a deserving Tennis Victoria Community Awards finalist.
Wangaratta Lawn Australia Day Tournament
Celebrating its 100-year milestone, the Wangaratta Australia Day Tournament delivered an outstanding three-day event that blended tradition, innovation, and community spirit. With 548 entries and 846 matches completed, the tournament hosted singles, doubles, and mixed doubles across Open and A–D grades, alongside a strong junior program spanning 10/u to 16/u events.
Despite extreme heat conditions, the organising committee demonstrated exceptional leadership and care, proactively pausing play and shifting matches to grass courts under lights to prioritise player safety—creating a memorable night-time spectacle for athletes and spectators alike.
The centenary celebration was a standout feature, highlighted by a historical memorabilia display, commemorative merchandise (generating $6,500 in sales), and themed initiatives such as “Wear It White Sunday”. A vibrant event atmosphere was enhanced by volunteer-run hospitality offerings, including a coffee van, BBQ catering, a serviced bar, and the Dal Zotto Wines Prosecco Cart, supporting the tournament’s new naming rights partnership.
Strong media and promotional activity across social media, local radio, and print resulted in record engagement and participation, with around 80% of players travelling from outside the region, delivering a significant boost to the local economy. Community connection remained central, with volunteers of all ages contributing, juniors progressing from coaching to competition, and profits reinvested into club facility upgrades.
With its exceptional customer service, volunteer-driven delivery, inclusive culture, and long-term community impact, the Wangaratta Australia Day Tournament stands as a proud and deserving Tennis Victoria Community Awards finalist.
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