Originally set to be held across the Shepparton and Mooroopna lawn tennis clubs in February, the tennis extravaganza has been moved to Yarrawonga due to the council being unable to prepare the Mooroopna courts as a result of the floods.
In a statement, City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali encouraged competitors to still visit the region before or after the tournament.
“It is unfortunate the region won’t be able to host next year’s event,” Sali said.
“Council is working closely with the local sporting clubs to get the facilities which were impacted by the recent floods back to their best.
“We warmly extend an invite to those visiting the competition in Yarrawonga this February to visit Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley during their stay.
“Our businesses are open and ready to share with you our vibrant, abundant and dynamic culture.”
Despite the cancellation, there will be some tournament tennis played in the region during the summer, with Shepparton Lawn hosting the Goulburn Valley Junior and Open Championships in January.
Alongside the January championships, Sali said council would look to hold further tennis events in the future.
“Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley has a proud and successful history of hosting large-scale major tennis events,” he said.
“As a leading regional events sporting destination council will continue to be proactive and work closely with Tennis Victoria and our local tennis clubs to look at opportunities to host future events and initiatives that will support and grow our visitor economy.”
Entries for Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club’s Goulburn Valley Junior and Open Championships close on Thursday, December 22, with the tournament to be held from January 1 to 4.