New hope for tennis event

By Sarah Schwager
A STATE Youth Lawn Tennis Championship could still be an option in Casey, despite council officers ruling out the Casey Fields VFL oval as a location.
Last month, City of Casey council officers investigated the feasibility of hosting the championship as an annual event.
Not only was the VFL oval declared unsuitable for such an event, but it was also found that no State Youth Lawn Tennis Championships was on the current tennis calendar.
At last Tuesday’s council meeting, deputy mayor Rob Wilson said it would be a fantastic opportunity for Casey to host a statewide sporting event.
Cr Wilson suggested Sweeney Reserve in Berwick as just one of a number of possible locations for the tournament.
As no such event currently existed on the Tennis Victoria calendar, council would be responsible for sponsorship, prizemoney and other event specifics.
“I think we should look at encouraging a Casey event,” he said.
“At the meeting with the tennis people the idea could take off.”
Springfield Ward councillor Lorraine Wreford said as long as it did not cost council anything, she would be happy to encourage new ideas like that.
Council officers will now host a meeting with representatives from Casey tennis clubs to look at potential interest for a major event in Casey.
Another event to potentially come to Casey Fields was raised at the council meeting last week.
Balla Balla Ward councillor Colin Butler had lodged a notice of motion to allow the Casey Chiefs Junior Rugby League Club to use the rugby fields at Casey Fields as its home ground from next February.
The motion was carried.