Fundraiser in full swing

From left, Bunyip Tennis Club members, Eleanor Whyte, secretary Vanessa Kent, committee member Helen Ross and treasurer Julie Kidd.

By Jessica Anstice

Bunyip Tennis Club went on a mission to help those affected by the Bunyip State Park bushfires at the beginning of March.

A twilight tennis tournament was held on Monday 10 April to raise funds for BlazeAid, a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals after natural disasters.

“As BlazeAid are based in our club rooms, we have seen firsthand the job that they are doing,” Bunyip Tennis Club secretary Vanessa Kent said.

“BlazeAid asked to use the tennis pavilion for their initial meeting, just a few days after the fire.

“At that point a lot of people affected couldn’t even leave their properties to be there, but there were still a large number of attendees. Lots had lost all of their fences, with their livestock uncontained and wandering.”

Over 50 people turned up to the tournament and Ms Kent said she felt overwhelmed by support.

“We are very grateful for the support of Bunyip and District Community Bank Branch and its sponsorship which has helped pay for trophies and prizes,” Ms Kent said.

“Being such a close community we all know people who have been affected by the fires. In fact, several of our members have been affected including our club president who lost his home.

“We are seeing for ourselves every time we play at the club what an amazing job BlazeAid is doing. “The scale of the disaster means that this relief effort is going to continue for several months, and as a club we just want to do whatever we can to help.”