22 January 2023 | Tennis Victoria

In October 2022, the Rochester Lawn Tennis Club were severely hit by the Victorian floods. Some of the courts at the club were extremely damaged by the floods and the region is still getting back on its feet. Just before the end of the year we travelled up to Rochester to run a Hot Shots clinic for the club to bring back tennis to the community that have been struggling.

Today, Tennis Victoria organised a bus of 20 kids and parents from Rochester to come to the Australian Open allowing the kids to participate in Kids on Court. The Rochester Kids on Court played on John Cain Arena and had an unforgettable experience.

Most of families that have attended today have been affected by the floods and are either living in caravans or in alternative accommodation.

Karen Taylor, President of the Rochester Lawn Tennis Club is thankful for the support of Tennis Victoria over the last few months.

“The whole community has been affected by the floods so time has been really focused on family and your own dwellings so volunteering at the tennis courts took a back seat. It was really wonderful that Tennis Victoria were able to step up and come up to Rochester and help run a Hot Shots program. We had about 6 Tennis Victoria employees come and it was awesome.”

“The kids loved it and we had really good engagement from all of our tennis members. At the end of the day, we were informed that we have received tickets to come down here for Kids on Court and have a day at the AO so its been awesome”.

With the whole region affected by the floods, community sport is another aspect that has taken a hit.

“Because we have all been thinking about other things, it’s just one less thing to worry about and its just such an awesome thing that we’ve been able to come along and have a hit on the courts and now finding out that we have Rod Laver arena tickets, its just unbelievable and very generous.”

“We would certainly like to thank Tennis Victoria for their support. You sort of think when you’re up in the country you miss out on things but they’ve certainly stepped up and been really supportive through this really devastating event for the Rochester community.”

Karen believes that community sport is something just as important to get back up even after the events the occurred.

“As the president, I realised that we really needed to get the courts up and running again because community engagement is so good for your health and mental health, so it’s been great.”

Having the kids come all the way from Rochester to be able to have a hit on John Cain Arena was exciting for all.

“Today was awesome. They were so excited, some of the kids had never been to the Australian Open before so this will be one of their memories for a long time. To be able to actually be out on the court and have a hit on one of the arenas is incredible.

Rochester Tennis Club’s trip to the Australian Open was made possible by the support of the Australian Tennis Foundation.

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