Former Tennis West President Wayne Firns, has been awarded Life Membership at the 2020 Tennis West AGM, recognised for his commitment to the betterment of tennis in Western Australia which spans some 50 years of service.
Serving two separate tenures on the Tennis West Board between1988-1991, and then again between 2011-2019 Firns claims to have been ‘born on the tennis court’, attributing his innate love of the game and unwavering service to tennis as a reflection of the same dedication displayed by his father. With his commitment to servicing tennis in WA dating as far back as 1971, Firns was aged just 21 when he held his maiden committee role as Chair of the Pennant Selection Committee at the Kwinana Tennis Club.
What followed over the years was an unwavering commitment of service to tennis which led Firns to hold a number of pivotal roles on the Tennis West Board including; President (2015-2019), Vice President (2013-2015), Acting Junior Vice President- Tennis West (2012-2013) and Board Member (1988-1991 and 2007-2011).
Showing a commitment across all levels of governance, Firns held varying positions on a number of Tennis West committees including; Chair, Governance Committee (2016-2019), Governance Committee (2009-2010), Chair, Volunteer Awards (2009-2010), Constitution Committee (2007-2008), Tennis League Committee (1991-2007), Disciplinary Appeals Committee (1996-2007), Tournament Representatives Panel (1994-1998), Chairperson WA Open Committee (1990 and1995-1997), Competitions Committee (1991-1995), Davis Cup Sub-committee (1990 and 1991), Chairman Country Sponsored Coaching (1988-1991) and some 17 years as Delegate to the Council over two separate periods.
Respected for his influence and direction in bringing operational change and modern day best practice to the sport’s governing body, Firns’ legacy remains with bringing unprecedented change and positive reform in his role as Chairman of the Governance Committee. The role which saw the modernising of the Board’s governance of tennis in WA and the implementation of best practice changes to the constitution, was a significant achievement for all involved, largely attributed to the leadership of Firns. Held in the highest regard, the work was recognised and applauded by the State Government.
Tennis West commitments aside, Firns’ dedication to tennis extended to positions as the President of the WA Catholic Tennis Association, numerous roles serving Tennis Seniors and 23 years of service to the Mt Lawley Tennis Club, 11 of which he served as President. Granted life membership to the Mount Lawley Tennis Club in 1993, Firns was further recognised for his efforts and awarded the Tennis West Gold Award for Service to Tennis in 2001.
Firns says that he is thankful for the different turn of events over the years which meant he remained connected to the sport and which ultimately led to the award of Life Membership of Tennis West.
“It is somewhat ironic that I received this honour, because when I finished my first term as President of Mt Lawley in 1993 that was going to be the end of any major involvement in the sport,”
“In 2006 I was persuaded to again take on the Presidency of Mt Lawley which led back to the Tennis West Board,
“It was this latter service to Tennis West that played a major part in me being acknowledged for my service to a sport that I have been passionate about for most of my life and will now be part of it in WA for the rest of my time,”
“Perhaps the work that I’m most honoured to have been a part of, is the governance modernisation made in recent years which ensures that the strategic direction and management leads to the strong development of the game in WA,”
“It was a privilege to serve,” said Firns.
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