The Australian Tennis Foundation (ATF) and Tennis NSW hit the road this December for the Rally as One roadshow, visiting clubs impacted by bushfires and floods.
Melbourne, Australia, 20 December 2024 | Nadia Dimattina
Five years ago, bushfires tore through towns across New South Wales’ Mid North Coast.
As communities continue to rebuild, local sporting clubs such as tennis play a central role in their recovery.
“It was devastating. The community itself suffered with the loss of houses, crops, livestock,” Kempsey resident Kylie Vidler recounted. “It was absolutely devastating – the community was very sad.”
This month, the Australian Tennis Foundation (ATF) and Tennis NSW kicked off the much-anticipated Rally as One roadshow, making stops in five locations across New South Wales – Armidale, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey and Kendall.
Launched in 2020 to support areas devastated by bushfires, Rally as One continues its mission to bring hope, connection and joy through the power of tennis.
“It’s great to see the community come together and all different ages and cultures,” Vidler said. “Having more community events is definitely what we need.”
Kendall Tennis Club members welcome the Australian Tennis Foundation’s Rally as One Roadshow.
One of the most heartwarming moments of the roadshow came in Kendall, where former Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald returned to the town’s tennis club.
Fitzgerald had first visited in 2015 to unveil the new courts and renovated clubhouse, and he spoke with pride about the impact that tennis had on the local community.
“I came from a regional area when I was a young boy, so I understand what tennis clubs can do and what sporting facilities can do for local communities. This is a prime example of it, in fact one of the best I’ve seen.”
“This is a town of 1200 people here in Kendall and they have more than 500 members of this tennis club – it is really a heart-warmer to come here and see what influence this has in their local community.”
Wendy Hudson is not only Kendall’s dedicated tennis club president but also local police officer who as a first responder witnessed first-hand the devastation of how the bushfires and floods impacted her community.
“I worked during both those disasters – it was a tragedy – but what makes you feel so good is when everyone comes together and helps those in need,” Hudson said.
“This is a community, it’s more…
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