Two Hunter Valley sporting organisations have aced the opposition at the recent Tennis NSW Annual Awards.

Bar Beach Tennis and Total Tennis Mount Hutton were awarded joint-winners of the Most Outstanding Club or Venue – Country at the ceremony, which were presented at Bicentennial Park in Sydney.

The recognition is testament to the hard work and dedication of the operators at both venues in providing services for the community, from coaching to competition and opportunities for social play.

Sustainable management was also a key award criteria.

Under the leadership of their coaches, Bar Beach Tennis (Michael Tour-Mills) and Total Tennis Mount Hutton (Matt Abbott) demonstrated sustained levels of participation well in excess of regional benchmark standards, delivering a broad range of programs to Newcastle and Lake Macquarie residents.

“We are extremely humbled to receive this great award,” the former said.

“But, we would not have been able to achieve this without the support of all our members, coaches, players, sponsors and volunteers.

“We’d also like to thank City of Newcastle for supporting the redevelopment of the centre.

“It’s great to share this award with Total Tennis Mount Hutton – showing the strength of the sport in the region.”

Abbott said Total Tennis Mount Hutton was extremely proud to win the award for the second consecutive year.

“This is proof of the hard work of our team and coaches and the extra mile they go to cater for every player and person who attends,” he added.

“None of this is possible, however, without the fantastic support of our community, players and parents to make TTMH such a positive, welcoming and inclusive environment.”

Also on the winner’s list was the Lake Macquarie/Newcastle Regional Singles League, awarded Most Outstanding League.

The tournament provides flexible match-play opportunities for players throughout Lake Macquarie and Newcastle and has proved a popular and successful addition to local competition.

The league is a combined venture with players representing clubs including Total Tennis Mount Hutton, Bar Beach Tennis, Tennis Central Belmont, Lake Macquarie Tennis Centre and Discover Sports Newcastle.

“It is wonderful to see the hard work of our local tennis operators recognised at a state level,” Tennis NSW regional manager Andrew Yapp said of the success.
“We are witnessing continuing growth across the region through coaching, competition and social court hire.

“New competitive playing opportunities are great to witness, too.

“So, we are excited for the development of the Singles League, Interclub and Regional Badge level team competition into 2023.”

Other Hunter region category finalists included:

• Kate Vine (Tilligerry Tennis Club): Young Volunteer Achievement
• Hunter Sports High School: Most Outstanding School
• Matt Abbott (Total Tennis Mount Hutton): Coaching Excellence – Club
• Kylie Eather (Scone Hardcourt Tennis Club): Volunteer Achievement

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