In only its second year, Toowoomba’s own tennis tournament has aced the national tennis circuit.
The 2013 Hutchinson Builders Toowoomba International has been awarded the Australian Tennis Awards Most Outstanding Tournament of the Year. This award acknowledges events that provide a ‘complete package’ both on and off the court.
Tourism and Events portfolio leader Cr Geoff McDonald said “Toowoomba Regional Council was involved in all aspects of the event through the Sports Tourism Project.” He believes the tournament was rewarded for providing a positive atmosphere and developing strategies to engage local sponsors, media and the wider community.
“So this award wasn’t just about delivering a successful tennis tournament. This success was due largely to the number and quality of community engagement activities delivered in the lead-up to and during the event,” Cr McDonald said.
These events included:
• AO Blitz activations
• Tennis in the Park (Queens Park)
• Indigenous Come and Try Tennis Afternoon
• Various school visits to the event
• Hutchies Corporate Challenge presented by Taylor’s Removals (which raised over $9,000 for RACQ Careflight).
“Thanks to the Toowoomba International organisers, the event grew substantially this year with added features such as the Women’s Draw – presented by new sponsors Tilly’s Crawler Parts – and the enhancement of VIP hospitality functions.
“Another reason for the tournament’s success was due in no small part to the strong partnership between Toowoomba Tennis Association, Hutchinson Builders and Toowoomba Regional Council,” Cr McDonald said.
Submitted by:
Jenny Foxton
Senior Communication Officer
Toowoomba Regional Council
jenny.foxton@toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au
