Australian Open to fund inclusive and diverse community tennis programs

16 of the most inclusive tennis deliverers from around Australia are set to share in more than $60,000 funding as part of the Australian Open (AO) Community Grants program - which invests funds back into diverse and inclusive tennis communities around Australia.

In March 2018, applications for the fourth round of AO Community Grants opened with all affiliated tennis clubs, coaches and not-for-profit organisations invited to apply for funding of up to $5,000 to help run tennis programs that promote inclusion and diversity with a goal to improve the health and wellbeing of participants.

Since introducing the AO Community Grants program in 2016, Tennis Australia has provided 89 programs run by not-for-profit organisations, clubs and coaches with more than $310,000 in funding.

Tennis Australia Head of Inclusion and Diversity Kerry Tavrou believes a focus on community is essential to ensuring physical activity and tennis remains welcoming, accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Tavrou explains “the applications we received for round four of the AO Community Grants program were of a very high standard highlighting the strength of the community in helping improve the tennis landscape to be even more inclusive.

“For this current round of the grants, the focus was on providing more opportunities and access to underrepresented groups, including; Indigenous Australians, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, LGBTI people and communities, older adults aged 65+ and people with disabilities.

“We hope with this funding, these programs can continue to provide increased access and sustainable participation opportunities for even more participants in our broad and diverse communities.”

AO Community Grants round four recipients

City Community Tennis, Surry Hills, NSW - Indigenous Youth Tennis Leadership Project
Help Enterprises Limited, Eagle Farm, Queensland - Tennis All Abilities
Keiryn Lenoy, Cairns, Queensland - Indigenous Big Serve Tennis Program
Deadly Tennis, Smithfield, Queensland - Indigenous Big Serve Program
Salisbury Tennis Club Inc., South Australia - Multicultural and Disability Tennis Programs
Somerton Park Tennis Club, South Australia - SA Blind Tennis Program - Junior and Senior
Langman and Ley Elite Tennis Academy, Novar Gardens, South Australia - Langman and Ley Tennis Academy Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Participation Project Stage 2
Grange Lawn Tennis Club, South Australia - Move It Program - Refugee Tennis Bridging and Development Program
Parallel Sports Inc., Highton, Victoria - Geelong Wheelchair Tennis
Slamin Tennis and Fitness, Templestowe - Evelyn's Club - an adaptive tennis program for older Australians 65 years plus
Migrant Information Centre, Box Hill, Victoria - Promoting Tennis in the Hakha Chin Community
Topseed Tennis, Reservoir, Victoria - Northern School for Autism Tennis Program - Junior and Senior School
Knox City Tennis Club Inc, Wantirna South, Victoria - All Abilities Fitness and Tennis Development Program
Carrum Downs Tennis Club, Victoria - CALD Junior Coaching Program
Breakpoint Tennis, Applecross, Western Australia - Entry Level Tennis for All Abilities
Kardinya Tennis Club, Western Australia - Adult Beginner Skills and Cardio