28 July 2023 | Gabriella Tobias, Tennis Victoia

Tennis Victoria is deeply saddened by the passing of former staff member, Nick Hinneberg.  

Nick was a member of the Tennis Victoria team for over 19 years, finishing up in September 2019.  

Nick commenced his career at Tennis Victoria as the Coach and Club Administration Officer, eventually becoming the General Manager – Tennis Operations. Responsible for all Competitive Play and Player Pathways initiatives across the state, Nick played a significant role in impacting so many of the Tennis Victoria events and supporting Victorian athlete’s journey through the sport. 

With a lifelong passion for tennis, Nick was a coach, an administrator, a volunteer and a player. He was so incredibly passionate about the development of athletes to help them enjoy their journey on the tennis pathway.

Many Victorian players have come through the competitions and tournaments that Nick lead. He took great pride in keeping in touch with families and monitoring the performance of many Victorians as they progressed onto the national and international stage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the Victorian Country Tennis Association decided to retire from operating Country Week, Nick took on the huge role of Event Lead, delivering the first Tennis Victoria Country Week in 2018 in Swan Hill. Nick was so committed to the event’s success, providing the players with the best possible experience, he went to Swan Hill early, hand painting the Country Week logo on the beautiful Swan Hill courts before the event started. 

As a staff member, he was caring and kind to his colleagues, always happy to teach them the tennis landscape, introduce new team members to players, coaches and administrators and help anyone on their tennis journey.  

He was a people person, building great relationships with Tennis Victoria partners, clubs, coaches, associations, coaches, players and parents. He impacted many areas of Victorian Tennis, a testament to this, is how many stakeholders have been sending their condolences to the office. 

As a former colleague, Tennis Victoria, CEO Adam Crameri said “Nick was a tremendous person that made a significant contribution to the Victorian Tennis community. Nick was incredibly passionate about tennis, dedicating many weekends to visiting our tournaments, events and athletes along their journey. He was always willing to give his time to speak with stakeholders to provide them with support. While his time at Tennis Victoria ended in 2019, Nick was still involved in tennis both playing and as Secretary at his local club at Albert Park” 

Most recently Nick volunteered his time to coach and lead the club’s come and try program with a local housing estate. 

Those of us who have spent time with Nick over the years are so grateful for the memories we shared, and we extend my sympathies to everyone who will find this news difficult.  

Tennis Victoria particularly wishes to extend our sincere condolences to Nick’s family, especially his wife Biserka and daughters May and Lilly whom he always spoke so fondly about.