19 June 2013 | Tennis Victoria

A very special Tennis Victoria Service Award Presentation took place on Friday 31 May 2013 at the Healesville Tennis Club to recognise local club hero, Rick Highett.

The “secret” Presentation unfolded during the Club’s Social Trivia Night and provided the opportunity for all those attending to reflect on Rick’s remarkable achievements over so many years.   The Award was presented by Tennis Victoria Awards Director, Anne Baldwin and Tennis Victoria Vice President, Maria Keys.

Rick Highett’s achievements for the HTC have been many, having held every position within the club since he joined there in 1969.

Rick’s leadership qualities are extraordinary – “vision” with follow-through.   The club has 10 courts spread over 2 campuses – those facilities being maintained by Rick up until his retirement as Vice President last year, are regarded as the best tennis courts in the Yarra Valley.     In the late 70’s Rick was made a Life Member, and he was awarded the Upper Yarra & District Tennis Association’s esteemed Lance Newton Memorial Trophy for his outstanding service to tennis in the District.   When the second campus of 4 courts were built in 1989, the complex was renamed the “R F Highett Tennis Reserve” in honour of the admiration and respect held for Rick.

Rick was instrumental in increasing the club’s Tuesday Night competition to over 50 players with a waiting list now in place as a direct result of Rick’s excellent management of the competition.     Rick now resides in an aged care facility near his devoted sister in Cobram.   Rick’s contribution to the club has been life-long, generous and successful.

Club President Beth Honeycombe was delighted with the Night, and thanked everyone involved for their attendance and support.  In particular, thanks went to her husband, Alan (MC), duly assisted by his son; Heather for compiling the vast array of over 50 sponsor and donated prizes for the Silent Auction fund-raiser; to all the Committee for all their hard work volunteering and putting the night together, and to those attending.

Following the tragedy of the Black Saturday Bushfires, then Club President, Cath Cameron, immediately commissioned noted local historian, Bryn Jones, to compile the history of the club’s magnificent and proud 120 years.  The publication, published in 2011, titled “Advantage Healesvlle” is a fitting tribute to the many milestones, and achievements the club has reached during its first 120 years.  This masterpiece comprises hundreds of photographs, colourful collages, statistical data, stories and detailed recollections of significant and memorable events, reflections of the club through its members, many characters and personalities and lots of humourous tales told – all recorded in an easy-to-read format.   

To Rick – Congratulations to you.