Proposed Amalgamation
This page is designed to provide up to date information for the Geraldton community for the proposed amalgamation of the three current clubs (Geraldton Tennis Club, Spalding Park Tennis Club and Tarcoola Tennis Club) to form a new club based at Eighth Street, Wonthella.
Background
Tennis in the Midwest area has been declining for the last 10 years, with all three clubs seeing a decline in membership, volunteers and sponsors.
2021
November: Forum attended by representatives of the three clubs and Tennis West, facilitated by an independent consultant. It was at this forum that the suggestion of a possible amalgamation was born.
December: Forum attendees begin informal discussions with Club Committees to investigate interest.
2022
February: City of Greater Geraldton notified of proposed amalgamation.
Identified that the current venue of Geraldton Tennis Club (Eighth Street) would be the preferred location for the newly formed club due to the ability for possible expansion and current high court quantity - 15 courts (2 synthetic with lighting, 13 grass plus overflow grass courts).
In the short term, it is also possible that Tarcoola Park Tennis Club (TPTC) become a satellite secondary venue.
May: Working Group created consisting of three (3) representatives from each club including each of the club presidents and two (2) other club members.
The purpose of this group is to build motivation for and guide the proposed amalgamation, ensuring the requirements of each individual club, and the Associations Incorporation Act, are met.
The objective of the Working Group is to provide for and promote the playing and general advancement of the game of tennis in Greater Geraldton. It also aims to encourage participation in the game of tennis in a sporting manner and the spirit of friendship.
The Working Group will finalise the terms of the amalgamation and creation and composition of the New Club.
August: Formal notification to club members via individual club meetings, passing special resolutions for the working group to continue pursuing the amalgamation.
2023
February: Youth workshop held to investigate the vision of the future tennis players in Geraldton
Council Meeting presentation to deeper inform the local Councillors and enable any questions to be asked of the club presidents and Tennis West staff.
May: Community Forum held to deeper inform the wider tennis community and enable any questions to be asked of the club presidents, City of Greater Geraldton staff and Tennis West staff and CEO.
August: Working Group Meetings
Minutes - 10.8.23
Minutes - 29.8.23
September: Working Group Meetings
Minutes - 27.9.23
Tarcoola Tennis Club withdrew from the amalgamation process.
October: Working Group Meetings
Minutes - 5.10.23
What's happening now?
To begin the governance process the clubs will be holding their AGMs on Saturday 28 October and must pass their own special resolutions (i.e. vote yes or no), and confirm the following:
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terms of the amalgamation
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name and objects of the new club; and
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proposed rules (Constution) of the new club.
This is affectionately being called the "nitty gritty" and is what the Working Group have been doing the last few months. This will include discussions around all things tennis including, but not limited to name, logo, uniform, colours, office bearers, venues, membership structure, fees, finances, on court offerings, coaching contract(s), funding strategies, etc.
Constitution for the PROPOSED Geraldton Tennis Centre
New Logo for the PROPOSED Geraldton Tennis Centre
What happens if the clubs vote yes?
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Upon incorporation of the Geraldton Tennis Centre, GTC and SPTC will be dissolved and deregistered;
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Properties of the Clubs will be transferred to the Geraldton Tennis Centre,
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The second satellite site of SPTC will surrender their respective lease and relocate their activities to Eighth St, Wonthella;
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All of the members of GTC and SPTC will automatically become the members of the Geraldton Tennis Centre;
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The objects of the Geraldton Tennis Centre will be similar to the objects of GTC and SPTC including, but not limited to, providing for and promoting the playing and general advancement of the game of tennis in Geraldton and encourage participation in the game of tennis in a sporting manner and the spirit of friendship.
Contacts
For any questions relating to the proposed amalgamation please feel free to direct them to your relevent club president or working group member or alternatively Tennis West Tennis Development Lead Samantha Gulliver at Samantha.Gulliver@Tennis.com.au. Other information can also be found on the Associations Online website.