At the official opening last Sunday evening were: Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club President Daryl Bennett, Tennis Victoria’s Chief Executive Officer Adam Crameri, Event Manager Bree Sharp, President Jacqui Pirone and Moira Shire Mayor Peter Lawless. The Pat Gilchrist and Carol Pearce Trophy is for the week’s Best Performing Men’s or Ladies’ Team. Photo Tennis Australia Fiona Hamilton.
Just 10 weeks ago, Tennis Victoria’s Chief Executive Officer Adam Crameri rang Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club President Daryl Bennett to see if Yarrawonga could host the 2023 Tennis Victoria’s VCTA Country Week.
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“Shepparton made the difficult decision not to host Tennis Victoria Country Week due to the impact of the devastating floods,” Mr Crameri told the capped crowd of 200 at last Sunday evening’s official opening at the Criterion Hotel Yarrawonga.
“It was a Friday night. I sounded out Yarrawonga. It’s great to be here.”
The CEO mentioned the work of Moira Shire Council’s manager parks, recreation and services Mark Lambourn, the tennis club’s committee headed by Daryl Bennett and volunteers, and Yarrawonga Mulwala’s Tourism Executive Noel Wright.
“The four of us working together to bring this event together was an amazing achievement,” Mr Crameri said.
The magnitude of this week’s event was emphasised by Mr Crameri who said he met the President and other officials of Wimbledon at the Australia Open last month.
“When I was telling them of this great event we had coming up, they couldn’t believe how many courts and players we have participating each year!” the CEO said.
Wendy Izzard’s team comprising four players from the Hunter Valley, and one each from the Gold Coast and Armidale love Country Week; the team is Julie Andrews, Helen Burge, Wendy, Ellen Partridge, Vicki Kuba and Cheryl Cooper.
“So welcome to you all – here to participate in the largest grasscourt tennis tournament in, not just the Southern Hemisphere, but the world!”
Sandra Allen from Wodonga is playing her 40th consecutive Country Week and was pictured in action about to hit this backhand, on day one at the Victoria Park venue, on Monday. Photo Tennis Australia/Fiona Hamilton.
Photo by
TENNIS AUSTRALIA/FIONA HAMILTON
This week’s big five days of action involve 205 teams, with a total of 1300 players in 26 grades on 101 grass courts and four flex-pave courts in three locations.
Day 1 of Country Week action at the JC Lowe Oval.
The hosting venue, Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club, will be supported by temporary lawn courts on the JC Lowe Oval and Victoria Park.
“With players ranging from late teens through to late 80’s from around the country, the week truly showcases that tennis is a game for all ages, genders, and abilities,” Mr Crameri said.
“Participants travel from across Australia to play Country Week with one team coming from New Zealand in 2023.”
Victoria Park was full of tennis action on Monday.
He said Tennis Victoria is thrilled to return to Yarrawonga, “a town bustling with community spirit, and warmly welcoming the Country Week participants”.
“It’s a significant amount of work in preparing and curating100 grass courts ready every few years, let alone having them ready to go in eight weeks and I can’t commend the Moira Shire and Yarrawonga LTC enough.
“Country Week injects over $2 million into the local economy so we are delighted to see the accommodation providers, hospitality venues, and local suppliers of Yarrawonga support the event and playing contingent visiting the town.
“We are so excited to head back to Yarrawonga to celebrate Tennis Victoria Country Week 2023 at this fantastic location,” he said.
The Victoria Park junior cricket ovals have been turned into temporary tennis courts for Country Week.
Master of Ceremonies at the official opening last Sunday was Tennis Victoria’s Events Manager Bree Sharp.
“Tennis Victoria is so pleased to host Country Week,” she said. “It’s a highlight on our calendar every year.
”To Daryl, your club has done an amazing effort to get ready and we look forward to a fantastic week ahead.”
