Merle Watson has been recognised for her many years of service towards the Sacred Heart Tennis Club after deciding to step back from volunteering in 2021. 

For over 70 years Merle has been an encouraging and visionary leader, regularly displaying the passion, dedication, energy and geneoristy she has become known for. 

Under Merle's initiative the Sacred Heart Tennis Club flourished and grew from the three courts behind the Sacred Heart Church, to the 16 cursher dust courts at Aero, shared with St Andrews Tennis Club and now to our 16 beautiful synthetic courts enjoyed by all. 

Merle has always been the centre, the glue, the life blood of all things Sacred Heart. No task is too difficult for her! Her ideas and drive have always moved the club forwards with improved courts, clubrooms and facilities. 

Merle embraced so many roles within the club and the Sunraysia tennis community. She has been a driving force behind so many people that are involved in the game to this day! Her status is firmly recognised and entrenched in the wider community, as well as by Tennis Victoria who awarded Merle, in 2015 a Tennis Service Award for her remarkable service. 

Thank you Merle! You always said you loved every minute of it all and it certainly showed!