There are many updates to share with you all as we close out this year.
Due to our committee working hard on the future of our club, we have not been able to organise another social event other than the AGM held earlier this year. So apologies I cannot make this announcement in person.
We will however be hosting an event on March 3rd 2024, so please save the date!
As you all know, Monash is reclaiming the land we currently have despite many hours of concerted dispute on our part. So whilst Monash may close our doors, we knew that between our Committee and Coach Duncan, we had a community that would support us moving to a new location, and so the challenge began.
After a couple of false starts, we looked beyond Monash council owned courts and are now in active negotiations with East Burwood Tennis Club (EBTC), located within Whitehorse council but only 8min away. The location (East Burwood Reserve, 300 Burwood Highway, Burwood East) and demographic has proven so far to be an excellent match up with our club.
EBTC has currently got 7 healthy courts, of which 2 are clay and 5 are mod grass. We are working on bringing the last 2 courts up to standard so it will be a 9 court club by the end 2024, all going well. This mix of surfaces is another aspect that makes these 2 clubs compatible.
As we seek to make 2024 the transition year for this merger, we can now advise that with your 2024 membership fees, you will have reciprocal rights to EBTC courts for the whole of 2024. By which time we will be aiming to finalise the merger by middle of next year. We are working on electronic access to the EBTC courts, so please be patient with us going into 2024.
MWTC will be bringing an enthusiastic junior playing group amongst our children and parents - led by Toni (convenor) and Duncan (coach). Whilst our adult and senior players will find more adults to play with at EBTC, that can only enhance your game and provide more options for match play. Toni will be able to run UTR events more often and on multiple courts and we can accommodate more weekend and mid week teams.
We will continue to base the ethos of this merged club on values that I have been told are important to you, our members:-
- Ease of access to courts through our electronic key and booking system
- Ease of access to lights for night play
- High quality coaching program led by Duncan
- Community, family and volunteer involvement
- Junior court time is valued
- Parental involvement with your children and our club is encouraged
- Competition play is valued.
The current status of our negotiations is extremely positive, however, the dotted line has yet to be signed.
The key to a successful merger is going to be moving as a whole group - that is Committee, Coach and Members.
I have the support of the first 2, but it would be great feedback to hear your thoughts as our members.
Our committee looks forward to seeing you on the courts and around the club.
I wish you all a restful and safe Summer, warm regards,
Rebecca Wolf, President MWTC
Mt Waverley Tennis Club