Tennis Queensland is set to bounce into an exciting new era with an historic partnership set to deliver knockout winners for marginalised Queenslanders and local communities across the state.
Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni announced the partnership at Springwood State High School on Friday 29 November.
The partnership will see more Queenslanders given opportunities to be active, regardless of their age, gender, background, ability or location.
“We’ve lobbed the ball into Tennis Queensland’s court with investment for the first year of a three-year plan to re-shape the sport in Queensland,” said Mr de Brenni.
“With the guidance and support of our new Partnerships Office, Tennis Queensland will be finding new ways to get more people active and playing tennis.
“Outcomes will include targeted programs and events in regional communities where they have the most impact, new talent identification programs, stronger clubs and innovative ideas for getting people onto the court.”
“Our Government is already supporting the Tennis in State Schools Initiative, and this partnership is making sure players keep active their whole lives, and into retirement”.
This is the third of six pilot partnerships with state-level sport and recreation organisations as part of the new $32 million, three-year Active Industry Fund.
Partnerships with Netball Queensland and Queensland Cricket were also recently announced.
Tennis Queensland CEO Mark Handley is excited about the impact this new partnership will have on community outcomes.
“We wholeheartedly believe that playing makes life better and improves the quality of life for all Queenslanders,” said Mr Handley.
“It is our goal to use tennis as a vehicle to promote health and wellbeing outcomes and create a playful world for all.
“We are incredibly excited that tennis is one of the six sports identified to create a meaningful impact with this investment.
“Tennis is genuinely a sport for life, delivered and played by people of all ages and abilities.
“Through this new partnership model we believe we can accelerate our efforts to provide tennis experiences for all Queenslanders, working with the department to break down barriers and build healthy communities.”
Mr de Brenni said funding for all eligible currently funded state-level sport and recreation organisations will continue while the six pilot partnerships implemented.
“We are embarking on a new era of sport and recreation funding based on partnerships and creating opportunities for more Queenslanders,” he said.
“We must aim for equal opportunities, equal pay for athletes, and equal representation on sporting boards to ensure we have a diverse range of perspectives.”
The Palaszczuk Government has invested $7.9 million to support grassroots community tennis since 2015.
The Active Industry Fund forms a key part of Activate! Queensland, the state’s first 10-year, $1.3 billion strategy to encourage all levels of community participation whilst also supporting elite athletes and world-class venues.
