31 March 2025 | Tennis Victoria

Click here to watch the video.

Tennis Victoria is proud to share the next chapter of the Sustainable Regional Tennis project, following its official launch at Country Week in Swan Hill – the perfect setting to highlight the million reasons to grow tennis regionally.

Accompanying the launch, Tennis Victoria has released a new video capturing the project’s official launch and vision, the challenges it hopes to address, and the initiatives already underway. Featuring regional coach testimonials, key project details, and the energy of Country Week, the video highlights the ongoing efforts to make tennis thrive in every Victorian community.

Tennis Victoria CEO, Kim Kachel reflected on the project’s strong explaining “launching the Sustainable Regional Tennis project at Country Week was the perfect way to showcase its purpose – supporting regional clubs, volunteers, and coaches to strengthen local tennis communities. We’ve already seen fantastic progress, with new local champions stepping up, coaching businesses getting involved, and increased regional coaching activity. This is just the beginning of a long-term commitment to making tennis sustainable across Victoria.”

Since its launch, the Sustainable Regional Tennis project has already delivered key outcomes, including:

Q2 FY24/25:

• 8 new Local Champions committed
• 4 coaching businesses enrolled
• 4 clubs identified for establishment grants
• Mentors secured for business development and Local Champions

Q3 FY24/25:

• Increased Tennis Victoria regional service with a Regional Coach Leader and Delivery Services Officer appointed
• 1 Club Services Officers onboarded and a further 6 entering the program to support regional clubs
• 1 new female-led coaching business launched
• 47% increase in regional coach engagement (July 24 – April 25 vs full FY23/24)
• Expanded Regional AO Holiday Programs: 6 programs delivered in January with multiple programs per location, and 8 more confirmed for Easter – growing participation despite a historically quiet period

Regional leaders have welcomed the project and associated initiatives.

Greater Geelong Mayor, Stretch Kontelj OAM emphasised the project’s role in strengthening regional communities saying“The Sustainable Regional Tennis project supports the vital role that sport plays in community life and will help make sure tennis clubs thrive and grow.”

Ben Thomas, Manager – Community Services, Rural City of Wangaratta, echoed this sentiment stating “the Rural City of Wangaratta welcomes Tennis Victoria’s significant investment in local tennis through the Sustainable Regional Tennis program. The appointment of a dedicated Club Services Officer to support both the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club and the Wangaratta Hardcourt Tennis Association is a fantastic initiative. This support will empower these clubs, reduce the burden on volunteers, and ultimately strengthen the game of tennis within our community for years to come.”

Watch the Launch Video & Get Involved

With the project already making an impact, Tennis Victoria encourages regional clubs, coaches, and local tennis leaders to watch and share the launch video and explore opportunities to get involved.

To watch the video and learn more, visit: www.tennis.com.au/vic.