The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has urged Latrobe City Council and the Allan Labor Government to act now to secure the future of the Traralgon Junior International tennis tournament or risk losing the event altogether.
The Traralgon Junior International has been held at the Traralgon Tennis Association for 32 years and boasts an honour role of past winners including Roger Federer, Ash Barty, Alex Zverev and Iga Swiatek.
The 2025 event contributed more than $2.9 million in economic benefits to the Latrobe Valley, but the region is at risk of losing the event and its international hosting rights without urgent intervention.
“Traralgon Tennis Association (TTA) must upgrade its player facilities to secure the Traralgon Junior International, and its international hosting rights, beyond 2026,” Mr Cameron said.
“Traralgon is home to the best courts in regional Victoria, but the changerooms, bathrooms, and treatment facilities are well below the level expected for the best players in the world.
“Further to this, TTA has already lost two major events this year – a Pro Tour tournament and an ATP Challenger tournament – because the facilities are not up to the standard professional or even semi-professional players expect.
“Since 2024 I have been working with all parties closely in attempts to secure the financial support of Latrobe City Council and the Allan Labor Government.
“Sport and Recreation Victoria has reiterated that these upgrades cannot proceed without the full support of Latrobe City Council, and without urgent action we risk the Latrobe Valley losing this event – and more importantly its enormous economic benefits – altogether.
“Tennis Australia has agreed in principle to extend the hosting rights to Traralgon for another five years on the understanding that plans will be put in place to upgrade the player facilities to comply with international tennis standards.
“The ball is now squarely in Latrobe City’s court to do what it takes to secure the future of this event, and I hope there is a positive announcement at the next council meeting.
“This is about so much more than investing in a single club – it’s about securing the future of international events that contribute millions to our local economy every year.
“These upgrades will ensure the Traralgon Junior International remains in the Valley for another 30 years and will allow our region to attract other international events of this calibre.”
