Members statements
Country Week tennis, Swan Hill
Mr WALSH (Murray Plains) (09:35): I congratulate the Swan Hill Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on the excellent job they did staging this year’s hugely successful Country Week tennis. Last year’s event was cancelled with less than 24 hours notice when Victoria went into a snap lockdown for just six COVID cases—and I emphasise six COVID cases, and it was called off. Full credit to the 200 volunteers, led by club president Christian Devlin, who gave it another go this year—92 world-class lawn courts at one venue, the most courts at one venue in the Southern Hemisphere. 1200 players enjoyed the tennis after missing last year, and they all enjoyed the after-match socialising that has become synonymous with Country Week tennis in Swan Hill. A shout-out to the major sponsors, Swan Hill club, Murray Downs club and Spoons Riverside, whose support is critical in staging this particular tournament. Next January Swan Hill will get the opportunity to host the Australian Tennis Seniors Championships—again, over 1000 players in Swan Hill to enjoy the tennis and what Swan Hill as a region has to offer.