An ace for Rod Laver collection

Published on 08 February 2016

Career highlights from our very own tennis great, Rod Laver, were today pulled from storage as Mayor Margaret Strelow discussed creating a permanent exhibition for his collection of tennis memorabilia.    

Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said Rod Laver sent his memorabilia to Rockhampton City Council in 2007.

“Before I stepped down as Mayor of Rockhampton City in 2007, I wrote to Rod, having heard on the grapevine that he was going through his ephemera, and we were able to secure some great pieces from his amazing career,” she said.

Our very own Rockhampton Rocket recently received the highest honour in the 2016 Australia Day honours list, being appointed Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).

Mayor Strelow says there has never been a better time to bring Laver’s collection together to form an exhibition that recognises his honourable achievements.

“My ambition is to have a permanent display of Rod Laver memorabilia and I would envisage this would be in the precinct on Quay Street.”

Mayor Strelow says she acknowledges the new home for Laver’s exhibition will need support from the new Council, and the collection is one the people of Rockhampton and visitors alike would appreciate seeing on display.

“It very important that we recognise that Rod’s fame was our fame as well and we pay appropriate deference to a great Rockhampton man,” she said.

Some of the Rod Laver memorabilia collection includes:

12 trophies

Racquet

Posters and original photographs

Silver ashtray from 1968 Men’s Open Singles

Silver Dish 1959

1877–1977 Wimbledon commemorative coin set.