Council sponsorship helps bring best tennis players to coast

Some of the best senior Australian tennis players are heading to the Fraser Coast for the three-day Hervey Bay and District Tennis Association Tournament this week.

The competition will be held on June 18, 19 and 20 at the association’s courts in Colyton Street, Hervey Bay.

The tournament is part of a three-year sponsorship deal between the Council the Association to stage three Australian Ranking Points Tournaments.

“Council works hard to bring talented and respected athletes to the region to participate in sporting events,” Mayor George Seymour said.

“These events ensure that residents have access to first-class experiences as players or spectators.

“The events also contribute to the cultural, social and economic development of our region. 

“They are catalysts for economic development, tourism, social interaction and build community pride.”

Under the $9,000 deal, Council will provide $2,000 in cash and $1,000 in in-kind support to the Hervey Bay and District Tennis Association to stage three tournaments a year (Open, Seniors and Junior) for three years (2020, 21 and 22).

“The tournaments attract players and their families, as well as supporters and their families to the Fraser Coast,” Cr Seymour said.

“As a result, the region benefits from the increase in visitors who support our accommodation facilities, cafes and restaurants and other businesses.

“The region will also benefit from the exposure to a wider audience.”

Staging events, especially national ranking events, is amazing, Association President Geoff Arnell said.

“They bring elite players of all ages to the region to compete,” he said.

Fraser Coast players to keep an eye on during the seniors tournament are Luke Harvey (in the over 30 events), Peter Meyer (in the over 45 events), Michael McDougall (in the over 55 events) and Geoff Arnell (in the over 60 events).