Opening of the Busselton Tennis Club

Published on 14 November 2019

The new Busselton Tennis Club will be formally opened on November 23rd and to celebrate community members have been invited to attend a free family day hosted by the Busselton Tennis Club.

A component of the day involves an official opening. The Busselton Tennis Club have invited Australian Tennis great Margaret Court AO MBE to participate in these formalities. 

City of Busselton Mayor Grant Henley said that the City acknowledges the tennis club’s decision to invite Ms Court to the event on the basis of her legendary tennis status, but accepted that for some members of the community that decision may not sit comfortably.

“The City has worked hard to foster an inclusive culture supporting events such as the Mayoral Prayer Breakfast, the Pride Parade and Harmony Day. We fund disabled sports, Cliff’s Kitchen and Youthcare initiatives as well as a host of activities for youth and seniors.  We strive to be a welcoming and inclusive community.

Ms Court’s participation in the opening of the new tennis club is based purely on her outstanding contribution to the world tennis scene. Ms Court holds more major titles than any other player throughout history.

City of Busselton Council does not share her views on same sex marriage but does acknowledge her right to have her own view.  I am hopeful that those people in our community who may be uncomfortable with her involvement at the opening event will respect her sporting achievements and understand that her participation on the day has nothing to do with her personal views.”

The opening event commences at mid-day with a free sausage sizzle and a range of tennis-based activities planned for the afternoon. Formalities commence at 3pm for those interested in attending.  There will be food and entertainment into the evening.

“This it is a celebration of achievement”, Mayor Henley said.  “It’s a thank you to the many local tradespeople and contractors who have been involved in the project and an acknowledgement of the great working partnership between the City of Busselton and the Busselton Tennis Club. Most importantly, however, it is a fun family event that is open to all - regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation.”

The Objectives out lined in this media release are aligned to Key Goal Area 1 in the City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan (Review 2019): Our community is welcoming, friendly and healthy.

 Ends.   Media enquiries can be directed to [email protected]