Tennis super troupers ace three decades of loyal volunteer service at Hobart International

Every January on the Domain is like a family reunion for veteran Hobart International volunteers, Ailsa Richard and Lenice Beard.

Hobart International tennis volunteers Ailsa Richard and Lenice Beard. Picture: Linda Higginson

Every January on the Domain is like a family reunion for veteran Hobart International volunteers, Ailsa Richard and Lenice Beard.

The tennis fanatics – both still regular players themselves - are part of an exclusive club, having worked at every tournament since the event’s debut back in 1994.

Together with third foundation member, Dale Forwood, Ms Richard and Ms Beard will return to the Domain next month as part of a 100-strong volunteer corps which forms the beating heart of the WTA event.

Ms Richard said while the tournament and its facilities for both players and spectators had come a long way over the past 30 years, some things never changed.

Tennis volunteers Alisa Richard and Lenice Beard with Hobart International tournament Director Darren Sturgess. Picture: Linda Higginson

“It’s all about the community here, and when we come back each year, all of a sudden you’re a family again,” she said.

“When we first started, we were in a Cascade beer caravan held up with bricks.

“And we did everything - ticketing, selling programs, taking money, and roping off areas so spectators didn’t disturb play.

“You name it, volunteers did it.

“And to see how the tournament has grown to such a high international standard has been really worthwhile.”

Ms Beard said while technological advances, particularly in relation to ticketing, had greatly improved the volunteer experience over the years, the increasingly professional tournament had always retained its sense of intimacy.

“Spectators love it here because they are so close to the play,” she said.

“In Melbourne, you can be way up in the stands, but you can have eye contact with the players, and can often catch a ball.

“It’s just a really fun time.

“And we’ve had some really wonderful players here.

“[Elena] Rybakina was really good a couple of years ago, as was [Justine] Henin, and the night Alicia Molik won it we had fans queuing around the corner.”

Winner of the 2019 Hobart International tennis tournament Sofia Kenin from the USA at Government House in Hobart with the trophy. This is her first WTA tournament win. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Announcing that former winner Sofia Kenin had been granted a wildcard entry for the event’s 30th anniversary, Hobart International tournament director Darren Sturgess said delivering the annual tennis celebration would not be possible without its loyal band of volunteers.

“We can’t do it without them, and so their support is crucial,” Mr Sturgess said,

“Our event is about promoting tennis and getting people to pick up a racquet down at their local club.

“So to have that support from our tennis community through volunteers like Lenice and Ailsa is really important, and we’re so grateful for it as well.

“The players really love that our volunteers make them feel welcome, and the fans feel really special when they get here as well.”

Originally published as Tennis super troupers ace three decades of loyal volunteer service at Hobart International