The magnificent Australian Open trophies - the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup and Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup – visited more than 20 Victorian towns as part of an initiative to promote the state to Australia and the world.
The AO on the Road journey has been captured for a new content series which will be distributed to more than 20 international broadcasters and reach more than 200 territories as part of their Australian Open coverage.
“I’m delighted we’ve had the opportunity to take a piece of the Australian Open to so many regions and towns across Victoria and use our global platform to promote our great state,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said.
“Our beloved trophies, Norm and Daphne as we affectionately call them, are a very special and important part of our history and it’s incredible to see how much excitement they generate wherever they go.
“Importantly, this was another opportunity for us to continue to support regional Victoria as the state recovers from what’s been a very tough year both emotionally and economically.”
The AO on the Road tour included the Great Ocean Road, Gippsland, Western Victoria, the Goldfields, Northern Victoria, Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island, visiting picturesque towns such as Ocean Grove, Warrnambool, Stawell, Bendigo, Bright and Red Hill.
Tennis Ambassadors Todd Woodbridge, John Fitzgerald and Sam Groth also joined the tour, visiting iconic locations and checking out the local tennis clubs to meet players and coaches.
As part of the commitment to using the AO as a platform to assist in the reinvigoration of Victoria, there is also a focus on promoting fine local chefs and fresh Victorian produce onsite at the event this year.
AO on the Road stopped in at Provenance Restaurant in Beechworth, Alpine Trout Farm in Noojee, Charlie Carrington’s Atlas Dining, Seppelt Wines in Great Western, Laura and Pt.Leo Restaurant on the Mornington Peninsula and the Hot Chicken Project in Geelong, all of which will be involved in presenting premium experiences at the AO this year.
Just as the best of Victoria will have the chance to shine at the Australian Open in 2021, the historic trophies – Norm and Daphne – have brought some of the luster of the tournament to towns and attractions across the state.