Australian tennis greats John Fitzgerald and Casey Dellacqua will visit Cobargo on Wednesday as part of the Australian Open and Australian Tennis Foundation's national Rally as One initiative.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Rally as One was launched in November to support bushfire affected communities. It comes after the global tennis community rallied to raise more than $6 million via Tennis Australia's Aces for Bushfire Relief initiative.
The funds will be used to help rebuild vital infrastructure as well as deliver programs to support families and build resilience in kids.
"It was heartbreaking to see so many communities devastated by the bushfires that swept across the country in January," Australian Tennis Foundation Executive Director Vicki Reid said.
"Rebuilding homes and community infrastructure is a long and difficult road and we wish to support the people in the community during this time. We've designed Rally as One to help communities come together knowing they have the support of the entire global tennis community."
"I am so proud of the way the tennis community has rallied together to support regional areas that have been affected by these devastating events. Tennis is at the heart of so many communities, so it's important that we continue to support the local businesses and towns," Fitzgerald said.
"Both Casey and I are looking forward to our time in Cobargo, visiting the kids and meeting members of the community to hear their stories and provide the support needed as they continue to recover and rejuvenate their communities."
Rally as One will see primary students from the Cobargo Public School visited by former Australian Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald and mixed doubles Grand Slam champion Casey Dellacqua. The students will have the opportunity to have a hit with them and learn new skills.
Following the school visit, Fitzgerald and Dellacqua will attend the Cobargo Tennis Club from 5pm for a community evening featuring social tennis, raffles, giveaways and complimentary food sourced from local businesses.
Tennis Australia and Beyond Blue have also joined forces to promote good mental health and wellbeing on - and beyond - the court. As part of this, a NewAccess Coach will be available during the evening to provide information on the NewAccess program developed by Beyond Blue. NewAccess is a free and confidential mental health support program available to people in South Eastern NSW 16 years and over.
The team from Tennis NSW, Tennis ACT and local community members will also restore the club's garden bed as a symbol of regeneration.
