Ann Bailey has been a driving force at Ferntree Gully Tennis Club for more than 40 years, including over 20 years as Treasurer. Her leadership is defined by consistency, reliability and a genuine commitment to the club and its people.

In her role, Ann has ensured strong financial management, accurate reporting and improved governance, helping build a stable foundation for the club’s growth. She has also contributed to key projects, including the clubroom redevelopment, ensuring facilities meet the needs of members and the wider community.

Ann is equally recognised for her contribution beyond administration. She is a familiar and welcoming presence, regularly supporting events, working bees and weekly activities. Her approachable nature helps create a positive and inclusive environment where members feel valued and connected.

She is deeply committed to inclusion, volunteering with the club’s All Abilities Tennis program and supporting participants both on and off the court. From weekly sessions to special experiences like trips to the Australian Open, Ann helps ensure everyone can take part and feel supported. She has also taken steps to build her own capability, attending an Auslan workshop to better engage with Deaf and Hard of Hearing players.

Ann has played an important role in strengthening community connections, supporting partnerships with organisations such as Knox Council, Boronia Rotary and Special Olympics, and helping promote the club through local events and initiatives.

Her ongoing commitment, willingness to help and focus on people have made a lasting impact, helping shape a strong, inclusive and well-connected club community.

Rob has played a leading role in the growth of blind and low vision tennis across Victoria, combining strong leadership with hands-on delivery. As President of Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria (BSRV), he oversees multiple sports, including tennis, while also directly facilitating blind tennis programs that support participation and player development.

He contributes at a national level as a member of Tennis Australia’s Disability Advisory Board, advocating for greater accessibility and inclusion. His work was instrumental in securing blind tennis as a showcase event at the 2026 Australian Open, where Team Australia achieved success on home soil.

At a grassroots level, Rob is a consistent and active volunteer. He supports weekly blind tennis sessions, encourages junior participation and leads the Blind & Low Vision program at Williamstown, which has grown significantly over the past four years. He also supports Victorian players at competitions, helping create a welcoming and empowering environment.

Rob has built strong partnerships across the sport and community, working closely with Tennis Victoria, local councils and inclusion networks to expand opportunities. His involvement in coach development and regional “Come Try” events has helped introduce blind tennis to new areas across the state.

His impact is best seen in the people involved. Through his programs, participants have gained confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging. Families have found connection, and players have developed pathways to compete and thrive.

Rob’s leadership and commitment continue to strengthen blind tennis in Victoria, creating more inclusive opportunities and ensuring more people can access and enjoy the sport.

Sam Ebert has made an immediate and significant impact as President of Wodonga Tennis Centre (WTC), bringing clear direction, strong leadership and a focus on long-term sustainability. A long-standing committee member and former Secretary, Sam stepped into the role in 2025 with a vision of “one club, one vision”, uniting stakeholders to support the club’s growth.

A key strength of Sam’s leadership is his strategic, evidence-based approach. By championing the use of the Tennis Victoria HIT Tool, he has strengthened decision-making and advocacy, helping secure major funding through Wodonga Council’s 2025/26 budget. This includes upgrades to hardcourt lighting, resurfacing of synthetic grass courts and refurbishment of the clubhouse kitchen, all now progressing to tender.

Sam has also driven strong financial growth. Through targeted engagement with sponsors, backed by participation data, the club has increased sponsorship revenue from $5,000 to more than $50,000, with 34 local businesses now supporting WTC.

Working closely with Tennis Victoria, Sam has positioned the club as a future-focused venue. His collaboration with the Places to Play team and Regional Tennis Manager has led to WTC being recognised in the Tennis Victoria Facilities Blueprint as a Tier 2 venue.

Inclusion is a core priority under Sam’s leadership. The club has completed the Tennis Victoria Inclusion Checklist, partnered with Sport4All and expanded programs including wheelchair and blind and low vision tennis. He has also supported funding to deliver new inclusive programs, ensuring more people in the community can access the sport.

Beyond infrastructure and programs, Sam has strengthened relationships across council, community and the local business sector. Partnerships continue to grow, including an upcoming collaboration with Birallee Park Neighbourhood House, reinforcing WTC’s role as a community hub.

Sam has also guided the club through challenges, including managing grass court conditions ahead of key events, while investing in equipment and processes to improve long-term sustainability.

His leadership has created a more connected, financially secure and inclusive club, with strong foundations in place for future growth.