COLLAROY Tennis Club has recently opened a range of new facilities, including two newly surfaced “centre courts,” upgraded embankments on both these courts, permanent seating for players on all six of the club’s courts, and brand new Council-built bathrooms and showers, including a gender-neutral “parenting” bathroom complete with wheelchair access. The club has become a true asset to the local community and was announced by Tennis Australia as the “Most Outstanding Club, Australia” in 2022.
To celebrate the opening of these new facilities, former tennis star Casey Dellacqua joined Mayor Sue Heins and Wakehurst MP Michael Regan. Also present were Melissa Achten and Darren Simpson, President and CEO of Tennis NSW, Club Sponsor Brendan Pomponio of Belle Property, Mr John Dakin, General Manager of Sargood on Collaroy for people with spinal cord injuries, Life Members of the Club, and Council staff who worked on the renovations.
Club President Vito Cincinnato began with a brief presentation, followed by a speech by Mr Dakin, who spoke about the impact of the new facilities on the wheelchair community. The Mayor then unveiled a plaque acknowledging the Council’s invaluable contribution to the works. Attendees were given a guided tour of the new facilities and were treated to an exhibition of wheelchair tennis.
In addition to welcoming wheelchair tennis players, the club also runs programs for vision-impaired and blind players and those with intellectual impairments such as Autism and Down Syndrome. “We believe everyone, no matter their circumstances, should be able to participate in and enjoy our great sport,” said Mr Cincinnato.
Casey Dellacqua, a respected tennis commentator, was proud to be part of this notable club event. She retired in 2018 after a successful professional career, during which she reached a WTA singles ranking of 26 in the world and was also world-ranked No. 3 in doubles. Passionate about promoting tennis and mentoring players, she currently holds the title of “Women and Girls Lead” at Tennis NSW. She congratulated Collaroy T.C. on enabling more people to play the game she loves.
Tennis NSW recognised the club as “Most Outstanding Club—Metro” two years in a row (2021/2022) and Best-Looking Tennis Club NSW in a 2019 poll conducted by Tennis NSW. The new facilities have solidified the club as a valuable asset to the local community and will undoubtedly attract more players to the game of tennis.
