A special dinner was held at the State Tennis Centre on Friday, June 26 to honour the women who have contributed so much to tennis.

Judy was appointed zone secretary for the Moore District – Zone 2 Tennis Association since 1995 when it was Toodyay’s turn to form a zone committee as part of a rotation.

She has been in the position since and has been a key part of implementing programs and tournaments for young players to develop their skills.

Jenifer has been secretary of the Central Districts – Zone 3 Tennis Association working alongside her husband Ray who is zone president.

Both women are tennis fanatics and proud of developing their favourite sport in their zones.

Many up-and-coming tennis players have appreciated their hard work over the past 15 years.

Tennis development manager from Tennis West Brooke Koenig said the success of the zones and their programs and events and country tennis as a whole come down to the time, passion and dedication that the people in the roles of regional development administrators put in.

“Judy and Jenifer have always carried out their role in such a professional way and have represented Tennis West in a wonderful manner,” she said.

“They have always gone above and beyond, and they leave big shoes to fill.”

Both women are retiring from their roles at the end of June 2009.

Jenifer is proud of the contribution she has made to regional tennis over the past 15 years.

“I feel that we have been able to make a contribution over the past 15 years,” she said.

“We have implemented programs that have offered juniors within the zone the opportunity to develop into the best players and young people that they can be.

“It has been a fabulous opportunity for me to be part of something that I am really proud of.”

Tennis has always been a great passion for the Collins family and Ray and Jenifer’s daughter Alexandra is also a keen tennis player and is keen to pursue a coaching pathway.

“As a family Ray, myself and Aexandra have gained so much from our involvement in tennis and I am proud that we have made a positive contribution to the region through sport,” Jenifer said.

Ray is in his third term as a director of Tennis West.