CLOSE to one hundred queer community members and allies filled Tennis Ballarat’s indoor centre in Sebastopol over the weekend to have a hit on the court.<\/p>\n
The sold-out event saw the return of the LGBTIQA+ circuit competition, known as the<\/p>\n
Grand Slam at Australian Open level, across Saturday and Sunday.<\/p>\n
Tennis Ballarat events coordinator Leah Ashton said the event marked another year of growth for the competition in the region.<\/p>\n
“We had over 90 entries which is a record going from last year’s being 60 people which was big also,” she said.<\/p>\n
“We have 12 indoor courts and they were all full at all<\/p>\n
times playing singles and doubles.<\/p>\n
“Both days we started from 9am, the first day they finished at 7pm and the second it was about 5.30pm, 6pm.<\/p>\n
“Other than the finals, those courts were full the entire time.<\/p>\n
“This started as one day with about 30 to 40 people so it keeps getting bigger.”<\/p>\n
The local LGBTIQA+ competition has been running each year since before the pandemic, and started as a single-day competition.<\/p>\n
Ms Ashton said the event has benefited more than just the local queer community.<\/p>\n
“The visitors come mostly from Melbourne and surrounds and support the community so much,” she said.<\/p>\n
“They come and stay in the area and support local businesses.<\/p>\n
“It’s great for the community and it’s one of our favourite events in our calendar. It’s a really great vibe in the tennis centre as well.<\/p>\n
“The event showcases Ballarat really well. The players went out to Piano Bar on Saturday night afterwards.<\/p>\n
“They’re really embraced by the community and they really feel that.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
CLOSE to one hundred queer community members and allies filled Tennis Ballarat’s indoor centre in Sebastopol over the weekend to have a hit on the court. The sold-out event saw the return of the LGBTIQA+ circuit competition, known as the Grand Slam at Australian Open level, across Saturday and Sunday. Tennis Ballarat events coordinator Leah […]<\/p>\n