Young Ace: Hugh Bergin at Wahgunyah Tennis Club…next week it will be Kooyong Tennis Club at the 2024 Victorian Community Tennis Awards night, on Thursday, May 23. The 11-year-old Year 6 student at Wahgunyah Primary School is the youngest ever finalist for the Volunteer Achievement category awards. Hugh is pictured here with Wahgunyah Tennis Club President Sandra Johnstone and his father, Sean Bergin.
At just 11 years of age, Hugh Bergin of Wahgunyah Tennis Club has made a huge impact to his local tennis club.
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His efforts have resulted in him being the youngest ever finalist for the Volunteer Achievement category and a finalist for the 2024 Victorian Community Tennis Awards.
The 2024 awards will be held in line with National Volunteers Week and be a celebration of grassroots and community tennis at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
The Bergin boys, brothers Hugh (left) and Will had a good training session before Will headed off to Melbourne for the Victorian Primary Schools Championships.
Aiming to bring his community together through fundraising for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Hugh organised a community tournament for over 50 participants with over 100 attendees coming to support the event in March.
In its second year, the Wahgunyah Racquets Against Breast Cancer tournament continues to make a significant impact on both the tennis community and the fight against breast cancer.
Held in a Fast4 doubles format, the tournament embraces a family-friendly atmosphere, inviting participants to engage in spirited competition while fostering camaraderie and fun. Beyond the tennis courts, attendees enjoy a variety of activities, including raffles, face painting, a barbecue and the thrill of testing their serving speed with a radar gun.
It was Hugh’s idea to have the event. It serves as a beacon of hope and unity, bringing together individuals of all ages to support a noble cause.
Thanks to the unwavering support of the Wahgunyah Tennis Club and the broader community, the event raised an impressive $3,562 for Racquets Against Breast Cancer in 2024.
Over the past two years, the event has raised over $6,500 in donations, a testament to the power of grassroots efforts in making a difference.
Hugh’s dedication to the breast cause is truly commendable, earning him recognition as a Tennis Victoria Community Champion of the Month in May 2023. His vision to support breast cancer research and awareness has blossomed into an annual tradition, drawing widespread support and participation.
Hugh’s passion and determination shine through. Inspired by his family’s personal connection to the disease, he set out to create a platform for community engagement and philanthropy.
Supported by generous sponsorships from local businesses and individuals, the Racquets Against Breast Cancer Tournament unites the community in a shared mission of support and solidarity.
As it becomes a cherished annual tradition, organisers like Hugh remain steadfast in their commitment to making a meaningful impact in the fight against breast cancer.
Wahgunyah Tennis Club President Sandra Johnstone spoke in the most glowing terms about the Grade 6 year student at Wahgunyah Primary School.
“The Racquets Against Breast Cancer event certainly was Hugh’s idea and he said the 2025 event will be even bigger and better - he’s got to keep it going!“ she told The Free Press.
“The event has just been amazing for the club, for the community and in general. People have come from places such as Corryong and Mt Beauty for it.
“Hugh is a promising young talented tennis player who is absolutely committed to tennis and our club. It comes back to John Voss to keep that legacy going (the much-loved John Voss OAM, passed away on April 7, 2023, gave so much to the community of Wahgunyah).
“When there are junior training sessions here, Hugh will ask whoever is coaching if he can assist.”
For one so young, Hugh comes up with excellent ideas according to the president. “He had the idea of the club having a logo. Hugh put the idea to the committee that he design two logos and put them to members. It’s a great idea.
“The whole Bergin family (Hugh’s brother Will, and parents Sean and Katie) is so committed to our club. Hugh and Wil are coached four days a week in Wodonga and Will is in this year’s school championships in Melbourne.”
Tennis Victoria Interim CEO, Tamatha Harding congratulated all 2024 finalists for the Victorian Community Tennis Awards.
“It was another year of outstanding nominations,” she said. “We look forward to celebrating you all. We value the contributions of the whole Victorian tennis community who make this great sport what it is.
“From the monthly impact award winners to our service award recipients and the finalists being recognised on our big stage, they all play their part and deserve all the recognition they receive."
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