18 April 2023 | Tennis Victoria

Congratulations to Tennis Ballarat on being named Tennis Victoria’s Affiliate of the Month!

Tennis Ballarat has taken on being a leader in making tennis in Ballarat a safe and inclusive space. They created a new tennis event in the region which was dedicated to the queer community with the aim of fostering safety and inclusion in the sport. As part of Tennis Australia’s Australian Open (AO) Glam Slam tournament, which is the only Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA) supported competition offered at the four major championships, Tennis Ballarat held their first ever AO Pride Night Tennis Ballarat.

Owner Geoff Reese said the event is all about making tennis accessible to all particularly those who identify as being from the LGBTQIA+ community. “It’s all about bringing people together and we want to make tennis open for anyone to play,” Mr Reese said.

“It doesn’t matter of your ability or where you come from, if you’re ready to go we’ll be there to support you.”

Later in July, Tennis Ballarat will hold their annual Queer Games Tennis. Tennis Ballarat is also working closely with Tennis Victoria to bring all abilities tennis to the region with Blind Tennis and Wheel Chair tennis coming in the near future.

Geoff, Leah and the Tennis Ballarat Team have been working very hard over the past 12 months to create an inclusive safe space for the community to come and be active. Tennis Ballarat are now a permanent fixture on the GLTA events schedule and also took part in Tennis Australia’s Pride Night event in January, opening their doors to the Ballarat LBGTI+ Community.

Furthermore, they continue to support Seniors events and Junior UTR. Being the biggest indoor centre in the Southern Hemisphere, Geoff is now working to be able to welcome the Blind and Low vision community through their doors, with an Open day allowing all abilities to experience what its like to play tennis with vision impairments. Alongside the physical benefits, Geoff and Leah are working closely with the Hand in Hand organisation in supporting Youth Mental health. Opening their doors too the wider community to support Youth mental health, and patterning with local businesses to raise money for the Guy Sebsation Foundation. Tennis Ballarat have been huge advocates for Hot Sshots tennis, running Red, Orange and Green ball classes, and shortly offering Toddler classes.

Congratulations again to Tennis Ballarat on creating a safe and inclusive environment for the tennis community.