Rockhampton Teams Tennis Tournament reaches 100th year milestone
Published on 01 May 2025
Rockhampton Tennis Association will celebrate a significant milestone this weekend as they mark the 100th anniversary of the Town and Country Teams Doubles Carnival.
The three-day event is expected to welcome around 180 players and hundreds of spectators, travelling from across Central Queensland and as far south as Brisbane.
Rockhampton Regional Council is proud to support the tournament with a $3,000 Community Assistance Program grant, contributing to an event with a strong and successful history in the region.
Rockhampton Regional Council Communities, Culture and Heritage and Deputy Mayor Drew Wickerson said the Carnival is an excellent example of how the Community Assistance Program can support local organisations to stage successful events that contribute to our region.
“This financial year alone the Community Assistance Program has invested almost $200,000 across more than twenty events, and since its inception we have supported more than 550 organisations to hold events that support the Rockhampton economy and community,” Cr Wickerson said.
“Tennis Queensland has recently compiled a report highlighting that the Rockhampton Tennis Centre provides more than $800,000 per year in economic benefit to our region, so we commend the Association on their ongoing commitment to tennis and to Rockhampton.
“The weekend will see stronger numbers with the event being held over the May Day long weekend, and we encourage visitors to not only enjoy their tennis but take the opportunity to explore Rockhampton.
The Town and Country Teams Doubles Carnival caters for social and competitive, and men’s and women’s events, providing an opportunity for regional teams to contest the region’s premier doubles teams event.
“As one of the nation’s longest running sports, tennis has offered camaraderie and competition for more than 100 years and we know this weekend’s Town and Country Teams Doubles Carnival will be a perfect showcase of these elements,” Cr Wickerson said.
“Beyond the tournament, events like this strengthen our community and promote active, healthy lifestyles and with tennis one of the few sports that people of any ability can enjoy, we hope it may prompt a few more locals to pick up a racquet.”
Rockhampton Tennis Association President Mr Barry Harth said the support from Rockhampton Regional Council assists the Association to host the event and keep costs down for players to come and participate in the Carnival.
“Our goal for the event is to bring those who have a love for tennis together, reacquaint friendships, play tennis and have a lot of fun,” Mr Harth said.
And with Mr Harth stepping on the court for what may be his 25th hit-out at the Town and Country Teams Doubles Carnival after playing his first at age 14, he can certainly attest to the benefits of the Carnival.
“Tennis is still the pinnacle of all racquet sports and with the rise of pickleball and other sports happening now, hopefully this will lead to a resurgence of the number of people that will play tennis, even just in a social setting,” Mr Harth said.
“As for the Town and Country event, a team environment brings a more fun and enjoyable way to enjoy the sport.
“The tournament has been going for 100 years, almost as long as the Club was formed, and I hope that it will continue for another 100 plus years.”
The event will be held at the Rockhampton Tennis Centre, 4 Graeme Acton Way, Rockhampton on Saturday 3 to Monday 5 May, with competition running from 8am to 5.30pm.
A bar will be operating on Saturday night, with a charity auction of tennis and sporting memorabilia kicking off at 7pm with all proceeds going to CapRescue. For more details visit the Rockhampton Tennis Association Facebook page.
For more information about Council’s Community Assistance Program and how to apply, contact Council Community Services on 4936 8368 or head to our website.