The end of Christmas usually brings a change of pace and a preparation for a summer of Tennis and other sports. At Daly Waters the locals have got in for an early and perhaps the first of the seasons tennis when the inaugural Daly Waters Tennis Championship was held in early November.
Held the day before “the Race that stops a nation” about 25 people played tennis and had a party at the newly refurbished Daly Waters Tennis Court.
Daly Waters is a small town of approximately 10 people but an important stopping point of significant historic interest for tourists and travellers on the Stuart Highway. The Daly Waters pub is an iconic watering hole first established in the 1930’s.
The Daly Waters tennis court has been in need of love and care for some time. A group of residents from the town and surrounding stations with some financial support from Roper Gulf Shire Community Grants got together to fence, line marked, fit lights and organise the inaugural Daly waters Open Tennis Cup on the refurbished court.
The RGSC Daly Waters Tennis Open was combined with a major cleanup of the heritage listed former Post Office and Police Station which had become weed choked and in serious need of general cleanup. Municipal and Outstations staff from Roper Gulf Shire, the Mayor Tony Jack and the Deputy Mayor long time local Judy Macfarlane, supported a team of locals from nearby stations in the all day clean up.
At the end over 60 cubic metres of rubbish, tree pruning and weeds were removed and the old building was re emerged again. The day was also marked by the first significant rain storm as the wet approached with 27mm falling in less than 30 minutes.
The results of the Tennis were … well everyone had a great time, the junior tennis clinic started the growth of a great pool of future player, the spectators loved the action and the catering was brilliant!
However someone forget to keep a running score so no final was held. It’s going to be willing next year! The trophy provided by Roper Gulf Shire Council will have to wait till next year for its first presentation. This year’s fashion on the court included high vis work shirts, work boots and broad brimmed hats. Reports of a scout from the Tennis Australia being in the area cannot be confirmed.
For further details please direct your inquiries to Michael Berto, CEO Roper Gulf Shire Council on 08 8972 9000.
ENDS