Victorian Tennis Academy Foundation

About us

Our purpose is to provide support to disadvantaged people and those living with disabilities through the sport of tennis.

The VTAF was incorporated in December 2021 with the intent to expand the scope and reach of the charitable and community inclusion activities previously undertaken by staff at the VTA. We have charitable status and are recognised by the ATO as a deductible gift recipient.

The intent of the VTAF is to grow and support our community by providing access to fun and inclusive tennis events, whilst raising awareness for other amazing charities and causes related to the tennis world.

The VTAF has a functioning Board who provide their time and expertise to run the charity, plan and deliver tennis events at VTA venues that strengthen our relationship with the community and support important community initiatives and organisations. In addition we raise funds to support these activities and to undertake programs and projects that directly enhance the involvement of the community in the physical, mental and social benefits that tennis provides. We can’t wait to welcome you to one of our events.

VTAF Board Members

Colin Kop

Chairman

Colin joined the Board during 2023 with the objectives of contributing to VTAF’s governance and helping it achieve its purpose. Colin is a regular player at Powlett Reserve, is CEO of the ICM Investments Group of companies and is a graduate of the University of Melbourne and UNSW.

Gillian Duchesne

Secretary

Gill has been part of the Victorian Tennis Academy community since she arrived in Australia in 1996. Her career as a specialist clinical/radiation oncologist spanned practice in both London and Melbourne, and she was the Executive Director of Radiation Oncology at Peter Mac until she retired from clinical practice in 2014. Alongside her managerial and clinical roles, she is an internationally recognised expert in cancer clinical trials, leading a successful trans-Tasman research organisation for a number of years. She was also Dean of her Faculty in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, and as a Board Director was instrumental in reforming its governance structure to align with current practice standards. A life-long tennis tragic, she welcomed the opportunity to help establish the VTA Foundation and continues to contribute to its growth as Secretary to the Board.

Jude George

Treasurer

Tina Keown

VTA Director

Tina is the Director of the Victorian Tennis Academy and has been in the business for over 25 years. She holds a Diploma in Business with Sports Management and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the tennis industry. Over the years Tina has been an integral leader in giving back to the community through charitable initiatives and organising inclusive events for disadvantaged people. Through this ongoing work and alongside the VTAF board members was able to gain registered charitable status in 2022.

Jack Glennane

VTA Director

Jack has been with VTA for 12 years and is the Operations Director overseeing the delivery of tennis at Fawkner Park and Powlett Reserve. Jack is a TA Club Professional Coach and Tennis Australia FITBIT Cardio Ambassador. He helps with the training and promotion of Cardio Tennis in Victoria, and has an active on-court presence, coaching a vast range of players and programs at all VTA venues.
Ethos: Create an all welcome environment encouraging all standards, ages and abilities

Paulin Walter

Board Member

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide direct relief and support via the sport of tennis to disadvantaged members of the community or those living with disability.

Supporting the Foundation

We welcome the involvement of everyone who wishes to give their time, effort and resources to our cause. This can be on a casual basis, and we also recognise a group of committed supporters who subscribe to the Foundation by annual donation*, and work with the Board members to deliver their planned programs. In return for their support, they receive quarterly updates about the activities of the Foundation and priority invitations to the events. (*minimum suggested annual donation $50)

VTAF Supporters

At the Board meeting on 2 June 2023 it was agreed that a category of Foundation Supporters for all those who wish to contribute to the Foundation activities should be established. Supporter status requires a minimum annual donation of $50, and active collaboration in the charity’s activities where possible.

We want to recognise every level of the support that comes in so many ways. We have many levels of financial support, and also the priceless support given by people in other ways.

Platinum	$10,000 + per year
Gold	$5000 to $9999
Silver	$1000 to $4999
Bronze	$50 to $999
Priceless	Those who volunteer their time and skills to the Foundation

Directors and Supporters are listed on the Foundation web page, unless a Supporter chooses to remain anonymous.

Donations

Donations may be made via the Donation button above, or direct to the Donations Account: NAB: BSB 083 004, A/C 5189 34158. Please provide your name as reference.

"*" indicates required fields

VTAF Events

VTAF Supporters Page