Waverley stalwart Mark Collins has been awarded Tennis Victoria Life Membership at the recent Victorian Community Tennis Awards for his outstanding contribution to Victorian Tennis.
Mark was the founding Secretary of Waverley Tennis in 1979 and recently retired as the President after 30 years at the helm.
‘When you think Waverley Tennis, you think Mark Collins’ Tennis Victoria President Jacqueline Pirone said as she presented the award.
Waverley Tennis has grown from 27 affiliated clubs, 88 senior teams and 121 junior teams in its inaugural season to 105 affiliated clubs, 1,000 teams and over 3,000 players under Mark’s tenure.
Mark’s key achievements include the success and growth of Waverley Tennis, the relocation and new courts at the Glen Waverley Uniting Church Tennis Club, the foundation of Whites Lane Mulgrave Tennis Club and securing Robinson Reserve Tennis Centre (Doveton) as the home for Waverley Tennis.
Mark’s contributions stretch beyond Waverley, he was a Tennis Victoria Board Member from 1986 to 1998, a Tennis Victoria Council Member from 1979 to 2014 and the Technical Services Manager at Tennis Victoria from 1999 to 2007.
A recipient of the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 and a Tennis Victoria Highly Commended Service Award in 1996, Mark is also a Life Member of Whites Lane Mulgrave Tennis Club, Doveton Tennis Club and Waverley Tennis.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award from Tennis Victoria after my lifetime service to tennis in Victoria, all of which I have greatly enjoyed (with more hopefully still to come),” said Mark when reflecting on the occasion.
Mark has also found time to be a Tennis Officials Australia – Victoria member as an Official, Court Supervisor and Referee.
It is clear that Mark’s enthusiasm, passion and love for the sport has no limits.
Congratulations Mark, and thank you for everything you have given to tennis in Victoria.
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