South Australia took home three awards at the 2019 Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards held at the Crown Palladium, in Melbourne on Monday night.
On a night that recognises players, coaches, clubs, communities, volunteers and officials for their service to the sport, South Australia took out the Volunteer Achievement Award, the Most Outstanding School and the Most Outstanding Professional Tournament awards, in front of the who’s who of the Australian tennis family.
After 30 years with Henley South Tennis Club, Darren Wunderer (Lockleys, SA) was announced as a very deserving winner of the Volunteer Achievement Award, seeing this award return to South Australia for the second year running.
Wunderer’s involvement has been critical to the modernisation, sustained success and culture of the Henley South Tennis Club. More recently, Darren has been both a tireless volunteer as well as mentor to Club Presidents, the Executive Committee and new club members.
“We have such a great club for the local community. Henley South won the Most Outstanding Club award last year, so it’s gone from strength-to-strength and it’s just been a wonderful journey,” Wunderer said.
“I have done a lot of volunteering over the years, but you don’t mind doing it when you have good success. The club is in a good position and I wouldn’t do anything else.”
Principal Graham Wood and Physical Education Teacher Gavin Browne were thrilled to accept the Most Outstanding School award and a $5000 grant on behalf of Elizabeth North Primary School (Elizabeth North, SA). The school offers every student from reception to Year 7 with the opportunity to be involved in tennis.
“To be chosen as the winning school is a real honour for our entire community. We support kids from disadvantaged backgrounds and tennis is giving kids an opportunity to be involved in sports and to be physically active,” Wood said.
“It is an honour to be recognised, but we certainly enjoy what we do!”
The City of Playford Tennis International (Elizabeth East, SA) was thrilled to bring the Most Outstanding Professional Tournament award home to South Australia for the first time.
“For the City of Playford Tennis International to have received the award for the Most Outstanding Professional Tournament is truly an honour,” Tournament Director, Breanna Hassam said.
“We are so lucky to have a world-class venue, but it is the continued support of the City of Playford, along with Playford Tennis Club, TennisGear and sponsors that makes this tournament possible.
“This award is a testament to the staff, volunteers, officials, ballkids and the enormous team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this tournament a success.”
Mayor Glenn Docherty was delighted to congratulate the two award winners from the City of Playford.
“I am so proud to congratulate Elizabeth North Primary School and the City of Playford Tennis International,” Mayor Docherty said.
“The City of Playford is delighted to support both of these programs and the positive impact they continue to make on our Playford community. This recognition on a national level is a wonderful acknowledgement for all involved.”
“We are simply thrilled to be celebrating our seven finalists and three winners at the Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards,” said Tennis SA CEO, Debbie Sterrey.
“Our congratulations to Darren Wunderer, Elizabeth North Primary School and the City of Playford Tennis International, as well as all of our finalists; we are so very proud.”
The full list of award winners is as follows:
Newcombe Medal
Winner: Ashleigh Barty
Spirit Of Tennis
Winner: Samantha Stosur
Coaching Excellence Club
Winner: Yvonne Fantin (West Lalor Tennis Club, (Vic)
Coaching Excellence Development
Winner: Tate Roberts (Brixton Tennis, WA)
Coaching Excellence Performance
Winner: Craig Tyzzer (Vic)
Excellence in Officiating
Winner: Brian Grace (Vic)
Female Junior Athlete of the Year
Winner: Talia Gibson (WA)
Male Junior Athlete of the Year
Winner: Rinky Hijikata (NSW)
Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability
Winner: Dylan Alcott (Vic)
Most Outstanding Australian Ranking Tournament
Winner: 2019 North Beach Junior Classic (WA)
Most Outstanding Club
Finalists: Queanbeyan Park Tennis Club (ACT)
Most Outstanding Professional Tournament
Winner: City of Playford Tennis International (SA)
Most Outstanding School
Winner: Elizabeth North Primary School (SA)
Most Outstanding 35+ Tennis Senior
Winner: Pat Moloney (ACT)
Volunteer Achievement Award
Winner: Darren Wunderer (Henley South Tennis Club, SA)
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