Every year our national day falls within the Australian Open period – the biggest sporting event in the world in January. This year Australia Day coincides with the Women’s Final.
On Saturday 26 January 2013, a select number of community tennis clubs will throw their gates open for free and host tennis themed community and multi-cultural celebrations.
In 2013, the partnership between the Federal Government and Tennis Australia will take the first step in what is planned to be a five year program. The Melbourne Park events will be replicated at four community tennis clubs across the country, Sunshine Park (Vic), Grange Lawn (SA), Chatswood (NSW) and Melba (ACT).
Grange Lawn Tennis Club Australia Day Multicultural Tennis Celebrations will be opened by Kirsten Alexander, Mayor of Charles Sturt to speak, followed by Steve Georganas, Federal Member for Hindmarsh.
From 4.00pm kids will be entertained with a Jumping Castle and have the opportunity to participate in MLC Tennis Hot Shots program. BBQ will be supplied to all who attend and families are welcome to also bring a plate of their cultural food for all to share.
Member for Hindmarsh Steve Georganas said, “The Gillard Government recognises the power of sport to build stronger communities and is providing $100,000 in funding to support the new initiative.
“Australia Day is a national celebration of our shared identity and our common values which bind us together as Australians.
“This new initiative capitalises on the power of sport to strengthen communities and aims to encourage neighbours from diverse backgrounds to come together over a game of tennis.
“This Australia day I encourage all Australians to embrace the spirit of the day and play a match of tennis. Having a hit at your local club is one of the best ways to forge friendships and build stronger community connections.”
“Membership of the Grange Lawn Tennis Club reflects our community’s wonderful diversity and the club is well renowned for fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all new members.” said Georganas.
Melbourne Park will also hold a special Australia Day celebration, hosting a diverse group of Australian families in a specifically created local tennis club atmosphere, featuring fun tennis activities such as MLC Tennis Hot Shots, Cardio Tennis, other on-court activities, a free BBQ and live music and entertainment. The Melbourne Park event will feature a citizenship ceremony to welcome a new family to Australia.
Special guest at the ceremony will be the Minister for Sport and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy and Australian Open tennis stars.
In future years, hundreds of tennis clubs throughout Australia will become the hub for celebrations every Australia Day, all taking place against a background of tennis based leisure activities available to all – families, seniors, people with a disability and in particular, to our multicultural communities.
Beyond even these community congregations, tennis themed Australia Day celebrations will be evident in the backyards and streets of towns and suburbs all over the nation.
So make sure you ‘Do Something Australian on Australia Day – Play Tennis at Grange Lawn Tennis Club. The gates are open from 4.00pm and all are welcome.
For further media information please contact:
Anne-Marie Handke, Tennis SA (08) 7224 8100
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