12 September 2024 | Tennis West

Recently, Team West Participation Officers embarked on a Regional Roadshow to the Pilbara and Gascoyne region that was all about strengthening club development and enhancing face-to-face community engagement. They focused on fostering relationships with key stakeholders, including local clubs and government organisations, to ensure a robust tennis presence in the area.

During their visit, they connected with four tennis clubs: Karratha, Dampier, Onslow, and Exmouth. Additionally, they engaged with the Pilbara Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) and the Shire of Exmouth. These meetings were pivotal in discussing the future of tennis in the region and exploring ways to support and grow the sport at the grassroots level.

“Connecting with clubs in regions we don’t often get to visit is a real privilege. It was fantastic to spend time at the clubs, chat with members and volunteers, and even had the opportunity to get out on court at clubs for some social hits. I believe there is a great opportunity for these clubs to leverage the increased foot traffic during the summer peak period and convert it into court hire and more club usage. The clubs are in beautiful locations and deserve to be fully utilised. It was also incredibly beneficial to meet with local government and shires to facilitate coordination with the clubs, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in working toward a successful future for these clubs.” – North Tennis Participation Officer, Braden Penny

Trips like this are not possible without the help of the Regional Servicing Grant, thanks to the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.