Swan Hill Lawn Tennis Club, Yana Street, Swan Hill VIC 3585, Australia, 24 August 2015 | Tennis Victoria

Tennis Victoria is pleased to announce that Swan Hill Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club will host the 60^th Tennis Victoria Inter-regional Country Championships in January 2016. This is the third time the event will return to Swan Hill after hosting in 1984 and 2013.

The event showcases players from each of the eleven country regions in age groups ranging from 12/u through to 45+.  Each player receives points for winning matches that contributes to the total regional score for the event. Barwon region has been hugely successful over the last decade winning the previous seven Championships.

Excited by the announcement, John Brookshaw, President Swan Hill Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club said “Attracting the Tennis Victoria Inter-regional Country Championships is a fantastic opportunity to showcase tennis in our community. In partnership with our sponsors, Murray Downs and the Swan Hill Rural City Council we promote the sport of tennis and the health benefits it brings at the same time as supporting the  economic development of the community; a win for everyone.”

Steve Matthews of Swan Hill Rural City Council was pleased with Tennis Victoria’s announcement and what it means for the region.  “The arrival of between 250 and 280 players plus parents and supporters for the three day event is certainly welcomed by Council and the broader community. The positive flow on economic benefits of so many people coming to Swan Hill is greatly appreciated by retailers, restaurants, hotels, clubs and accommodation houses in Swan Hill and the region.  I am sure that the tennis players will have a great time not only by competing at the Swan Hill Lawn Tennis Croquet Clubs magnificent grass court complex but getting out and about and experiencing all the great things that our region has to offer.”

Tennis Victoria Tournaments and Events Manager Andrew Reynolds said “The 60th Tennis Victoria Inter-regional Country Championships is set to again promote tennis across all eleven country regions throughout Victoria with families and friends lining up to defeat reigning champions Barwon. It is an amazing scene watching such a wide range of players in singles, doubles and mixed doubles plying their trade on the traditional grass courts. The 2016 event promises to reunite past competitors, up and coming talent and old champions.”

Players are encouraged to contact their regional coordinators for trials and selections with team nominations due in mid-December 2015.

Tennis Victoria will be opening Expressions of Interest for Host venues for the 2017-2020 in the coming months and will take consideration of the VCTA Country Week host venues for the same period.