The Victoria Beach Tennis Open 2026 delivered the largest beach tennis event ever hosted in Melbourne, staged at St Kilda West Beach during the Australian Open period. The tournament attracted 100 local, interstate, and international athletes and featured a full Pro-Am format, Masters events, ITF BT10 Men’s and Women’s draws, and the first-ever ITF Mixed BT10 event held in Australia, awarding international ranking points.
Delivered by a four-person organising committee and 10 volunteers, the event was recognised for its exceptional planning, athlete-first delivery, and smooth execution of a complex multi-category international tournament. Player experience was prioritised through on-site physiotherapy, professional photography, extensive shade infrastructure, refreshments, and strong welfare support.
A standout feature was the creation of Australia’s only Beach Tennis Pride Hub, delivered in partnership with Proud2Play, reinforcing the event’s commitment to inclusion, visibility, and belonging.
Supported by Tennis Australia, Port Phillip Council, West Beach Pavilion, and local sponsors, the tournament blended elite competition with a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. A dedicated “Come and Try” court further supported grassroots engagement, while strong national and international promotion drove broad participation.
With its elite-level delivery, inclusive culture, and lasting community impact, the Victoria Beach Tennis Open 2026 is a deserving Tennis Victoria Community Awards finalist.
Wangaratta Lawn Australia Day Tournament
Celebrating its 100-year milestone, the Wangaratta Australia Day Tournament delivered an outstanding three-day event that blended tradition, innovation, and community spirit. With 548 entries and 846 matches completed, the tournament hosted singles, doubles, and mixed doubles across Open and A–D grades, alongside a strong junior program spanning 10/u to 16/u events.
Despite extreme heat conditions, the organising committee demonstrated exceptional leadership and care, proactively pausing play and shifting matches to grass courts under lights to prioritise player safety—creating a memorable night-time spectacle for athletes and spectators alike.
The centenary celebration was a standout feature, highlighted by a historical memorabilia display, commemorative merchandise (generating $6,500 in sales), and themed initiatives such as “Wear It White Sunday”. A vibrant event atmosphere was enhanced by volunteer-run hospitality offerings, including a coffee van, BBQ catering, a serviced bar, and the Dal Zotto Wines Prosecco Cart, supporting the tournament’s new naming rights partnership.
Strong media and promotional activity across social media, local radio, and print resulted in record engagement and participation, with around 80% of players travelling from outside the region, delivering a significant boost to the local economy. Community connection remained central, with volunteers of all ages contributing, juniors progressing from coaching to competition, and profits reinvested into club facility upgrades.
With its exceptional customer service, volunteer-driven delivery, inclusive culture, and long-term community impact, the Wangaratta Australia Day Tournament stands as a proud and deserving Tennis Victoria Community Awards finalist.