22 January 2016 | Tennis Victoria

Over 350 Victorian tennis volunteers were formally ‘thanked’ for their continued support of the sport at the annual Tennis Victoria Volunteers’ Breakfast, proudly presented by ANZ.

Held at the MCG during the Australian Open, the event is a chance for dignitaries and Tennis Victoria to formally recognise the hard work and dedication thousands of volunteers give to the sport day in and day out.

The morning was highlighted by a special guest appearance by 1984 French Open men’s doubles champion Henri Leconte, who gave the audience plenty of laughs, with the Governor of Victoria the Hon. Linda Dessau and the Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events the Hon Mr. John Eren adding to the prestige of the event.

Gouburn Valley’s Heather Lees (country) and Berwick’s Shane Fielding (metro) were named as the 2016 Victorian Community Champions for their commitment to growing tennis in their regions.

Fielding joined Berwick Tennis Club in 2003. In late 2004, he injured his neck and unfortunately hasn’t played tennis since but this hasn’t stopped his commitment to the club. Fielding has joined the committee in 2004 and became Club Secretary in 2005 to 2011 and was then nominated as Club President and continues that role today. His dedication to the club is highlighted by his having paid membership fees every year since 2003, despite not playing tennis since 2004, and uses his own annual leave to project manage each of the clubs major projects and spends weekends and nights co-ordinating tennis matters.

Lees is a long time member of Shepparton North Tennis Club, having been secretary of Shepparton and District Tennis Association for many years. Lees is a Life member and Vice President of the Shepparton and District TA and has been a Committee member and delegate of VCTA since 1985 as well as Junior Vice President.

Community coaches and clubs were also recognised for the achievements of 2015 Australian and US Open Quad Wheelchair Singles Champion Dylan Alcott and 2015 Australian Open Junior Boys Doubles Champion Marc Polmans receiving commemorative frames.

The day also coincided with ANZ Tennis Hot Shots Day at the Australian Open, which saw a staggering 1,000 country tennis players and volunteers attend the Open from 20 regions across the state.