Haven , 10 December 2018 | Sean Munaweera

Sue has been involved with the Haven Tennis Club for over 50 years, first commencing as a junior player right through to a senior. Sue is a life member of the club and has been volunteering on the committee for 44 years, commencing in 1973. During that time, she has served in a number of positions – Secretary and Treasurer, Secretary from 1988-1989, Senior Vice President from 1979-1980, Junior Vice President from 1985-1986. She also remained the President for 10 years from 2000-2010. Throughout this period, Sue also served as the Junior Coordinator for the club, and has remained in that role for 29 years. Sue also had the pleasure of serving Central Wimmera Tennis Association for 15 years, in roles such as Junior Recorder, Secretary, Assistant Secretary and President.

As the Junior Coordinator, Sue has developed and run a junior program which has expanded to 19 teams competing in the Central Wimmera Tennis Association. Sue has been instrumental in running the Hot Shots Program, where she has seen many players progress through to junior and senior tennis. Because of this, the program has added to the growth of the club and seen many of the Hot Shots participants attending ‘Kids on Court’ at the Australian Open, showcasing their skills on Rod Laver Arena. Without Sue’s involvement with the club, it is very hard to imagine the program being a success as it is.

Sue has also been involved with coaching the juniors after completing her coaching qualification with Tennis Victoria back in 2003. Throughout this time, Sue has worked with other volunteers to provide a foundation of tennis knowledge and skills to enable players to evolve through the competition. She’s always had the best interests of the club, and its juniors, in mind. With more than 90 kids to work with it is a monumental effort. This season her hard work has paid off as 11 junior teams made it to the grand final out of a possible 18 positions. Haven Tennis Club won six Premierships on that day.

As the President of the club, Sue was integral to many projects and the development of the club as a whole. During her presidency, she was involved in two court redevelopment projects which was a fantastic achievement and allowed the club to host tournaments, most recently the John Fitzgerald Cup.  In recognition of her contribution, the walk on the new courts was named the ‘Sue Exell Walk’ when the courts were opened by John Fitzgerald in 2013. A fitting accolade to a fantastic community member.

Not only as Sue contributed so much to Haven Tennis Club, she has also played a pivotal role on Council, as well as other Committees such as Haven Market and Recreation Reserve. The value and benefit she adds to the community are countless. Her experience with both tennis and governance has helped many platters over the years. The benefits and value added to the club is insurmountable.

Effectively known as the ‘Mayor of Haven’, there is not much that happens around Haven that Sue is not involved in.

Congratulations Sue and thank you for your contribution to tennis in Victoria.