Judy’s ‘can do’ attitude an ace for tennis

FROM the moment she played a major part in the re-opening of Cheltenham’s tennis courts during World War Two, Judy Scarrott’s can do attitude shone through.

Although she was just 12 in 1942, Scarrott rallied politicians and the community to raise the cash to fix Cheltenham’s run-down courts.

Scarrott was duly elected club president at the age of 13 and held the mantle as one of the youngest presidents of a tennis association in Victoria’s history.

She went on to play baseball and earned a University Blue for her achievements on the diamond.

Scarrott then moved to Bendigo in 1964 and played a key role in promoting women’s sport, particularly tennis.

Not only did she play in the midweek women’s competition, but also served a term as president and then an astonishing 27 years as secretary.

She played in several premierships and also represented Bendigo at Melbourne Country Week.

In 1981, Scarrott was a foundation member of the Bendigo Sportswomen’s Association and was named the Sports Focus Administrator of the Year in 1995.

Her dedication to sport included being awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia by Queen Elizabeth in 2010, and induction to Bendigo’s Sports Star of the Year Hall of Fame in 2015-16.

Tennis Victoria added Scarrott’s name to its honour board to recognise her outstanding service and achievement across more than 70 years.

Judy was a strong supporter of the Bendigo Tennis Association’s plans to bring major tennis tournaments to the now Fosterville Gold complex in Bendigo’s Nolan Street.