29 July 2011 | Tennis Queensland

Labrador Tennis Club President Col Garrett, Southport High BSM Derek Learmonth, Tennis Queensland Facilities Manager Michael Blomer and Southport High Principal Steve McLuckie.

After many years of planning, collaboration and hard work, the new tennis home of the Labrador Tennis Club and Southport High School is now officially open for business!  The official opening ceremony of the Challenge Tennis Centre saw the warm Gold Coast weather greet many honourable guests.

Local MP Peter Lawlor gave a speech congratulating all who were involved with the development of the new facility and was delighted for the Southport community. “This project really was a collaborative partnership with Gold Coast City Council providing $176,000 and the Labrador Tennis Club contributing $108,711,” Mr Lawlor said.

Sport Minister Mr Phil Reeves followed with an excitable speech, highlighting the collaboration and effort from the tennis stakeholders that has resulted in a fantastic venue for the Gold Coast.  Sport and Recreation Queensland also chipping in with the vital remainder of the project cost with $271,279 granted.

Guests were also treated to a ceremonial display from local indigenous elders who gave their blessing to the facility and performed a ceremonial dance which was well received.

Spectators were treated to a tennis exhibition from local 11/U junior players Rocco Taplin and Olivia Mann who showcased their talents and abilities against the venue Head Coach James Griffiths (Pure Tennis) and Tom George. Local rising star Sara Tomic (younger sister of Bernard) was also utilising the facility, training hard on one of the 8 courts.

Special thanks goes to all of those who were involved in the development of the facility, including Labrador Tennis Club President – Col Garrett, Tennis Queensland Facilities Manager – Michael Blomer, The Southport High School Business Services Manager – Derek Learmonth, Gold Coast City Council’s Recreational Services Officer – Jodi Pocock, Muliti-Sport Concepts and Sport and Recreation Queensland.

To find out more about playing at this venue, please click here.