The annual event is a standout fixture on the world masters tennis circuit calendar, and it’s back in Victoria for the first time since Wodonga played host in 2008 and only the second time in the event's history that it has been played regionally.
The two week event includes the Australian Team Carnival in week one and the Australian Individual Championships in week two.
Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events John Eren today inspected the Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club, where 120 teams and up to 800 players will converge from all over the world next year.
The Teams carnival will also be co-hosted at the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve on 50 temporary grass courts which will be set up on the recently upgraded sporting ovals.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing a $10,000 Significant Sporting Events Program grant to help stage the tournament.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Cr Dennis Patterson said the event was an important one for the region. "This event will bring $2.5m to the local economy and will continue Greater Shepparton's reputation as a key sporting destination in regional Australia," he said.
"Previously Council in partnership with the tennis community hosted the 2014 Country Week, 2015 Asia Oceania Junior Davis Cup and Federation Cup, and we have also secured Country Week Tennis back to the region for 2019," said Cr Patterson.
Seniors tennis competitions are divided into five-year age groups starting at age 35. The 2016 Australian Tennis Seniors Championships are expected to attract some of the world’s best masters players, from former professionals to casual hitters.
Events like these help showcase our state to visiting athletes, officials and supporters from interstate and beyond. They keep our businesses busy, our hotels and shopping centres full and our economy healthy – and that means a stronger region.
Tourism is Victoria’s second largest export, exceeded only by education. It generates 206,000 jobs and delivers more than $19 billion to the economy annually. Victoria’s impressive list of events are a key component of the state’s $10.9 billion regional economy, keeping visitor rates healthy and creating jobs for regional Victorians.
The Australian Tennis Seniors Championships begin on January 10.
via premier.vic.gov.au
