27 January 2015 | Tennis Victoria

The annual Volunteers’ Breakfast, proudly presented by ANZ, was held on Thursday 22 January at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. 350 tennis volunteers were welcomed and thanked for their invaluable contribution to tennis in this state.

The morning was hosted by Anthony Hudson, and the guests were entertained by tales from 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, who now coaches Marin Cilic (2014 US Open champion) and is heavily involved in junior tennis in Croatia. The volunteers then had the opportunity to enjoy a day at the Australian Open.

Local clubs and coaches involved in the tennis journeys of Sam Groth, who made his Davis Cup debut in 2014, and Omar Jasika, who won both the US Open Boys singles and doubles in 2014, were recognised for their contribution.

The highlight of the morning was the presentation of the 2015 Victorian Community Champion Awards for Metro and Country. Bill Cosgrave of Mt Prospect Tennis Association, Creswick was awarded the Country Award for his contribution to his local club. Bill has been playing tennis for 63 years, and has been involved as an administrator and the greenskeeper at the club. He delighted the guests with his story of meeting his wife playing tennis, and all the life long friendships he has made.

Barbara Currie of Keon Park Tennis Club was awarded the Metro Award for her commitment to tennis and the community. Barb has worked tirelessly to get the multicultural program for children running at her club, so that everyone has the opportunity to play. She is involved in the local school, Reservoir East Primary School, providing scholarships to students to play tennis. Barb acknowledged that it was the efforts of all the volunteers at the club that make all of this happen.

Gabrielle Williams, Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers, joined Tennis Victoria President, David Stobart to present these awards.

The morning was a celebration of volunteers and everything they do for tennis all year round. Wonderful stories of local tennis were exchanged, old friendship renewed and new friendships formed.

Find out more about the Tennis Victoria Recognition Program