Club History

1953 - The club was founded and courts 1, 2 and 3 were built.

1965 - Sunday 21 February was the official opening of our clubhouse, replacing the old tin shed, which was located where court 4 stands today. There were 200 guests at the official opening. This massive achievement was due to the dedication of many members, some of whom loaned the club funds in a form of debenture, to be repaid over a period of five years.

The building committee, comprising of Frank McBain, Neville Brown, Neil Watt, Trevor Irwin, Ian Johnson, Ron Hines and Barry Rule (advisor and architect), spent an enormous amount of time in the preparation and organisation in reaching the stage of financing and finally the construction of our clubhouse.

The same year, the NSLTA and NSJTA won their first pennants.

1966 - The construction of courts 4 and 5 were completed. With council assistance, the same group of members were able to achieve this at a cost of 1,800 pounds each. The club's membership grew to 264 in total.

1971/72 - Honour Boards were purchased and alterations were made to the entrance door.

1972/73 - The complete re-lining of courts 1, 2 and 3 plus the overhaul of the bore were undertaken. Levelling of the area in front of the clubhouse took place and bluestone pitchers were laid. Final repayment of all the club's debentures was made.

1976/77 - An additional court was discussed. Council members were awaiting developments regarding annexation of Strathmore from the City of Broadmeadows to the City of Essendon before considering new tennis facilities. The club was also pursuing the possibility of siting the courts at the far side of the bowling club.

1978 - Lighting on courts 1, 2 and 3 was installed, which expanded the use of the courts and club facilities. The annexure of Strathmore from the City of Broadmeadows to the City of Essendon was underway and completed by 1979.

1979/80 - Resurfacing of all courts was conducted.

1985/86 - Numerous capital works were conducted around the clubhouse and surrounds. The incorporation of the club was underway, being granted on 3 July 1986.

1990/91 - New lights were installed on court 4.

1991/92 - Courts 1, 2 and 3 were resurfaced and the lights were also upgraded on these courts. New drainage was also installed.

1992/93 - Repairs were made to all courts due to flood damage in December 1992 and January 1993. Drainage problems were also rectified. The top car park was sealed and the clubhouse was repainted.

1994/95 - Coin-operated court light meters were installed. Courts 4 and 5 were resurfaced with synthetic grass in March 1995.

2007 - Bore water used to water courts due to severe drought conditions. Installing a rain water tank was under consideration.

2014 - Plans commenced for two new courts to be built on the site of the former Maternal Health Centre.

2015 - The building of two new synthetic "classic clay" courts commenced.

2016 - Our two new courts (Courts 6 & 7) opened in February. Fences and gates on courts 4 & 5 were replaced.

2017 - Lights on courts 1 to 3 replaced with new LED lights, resulting in better lighting and lower energy use.

2018 - Replacement of hot water services and painting of the clubhouses internally and externally.

2019 - "Book A Court" system was introduced to allow on line booking of courts for both members and visitors, allowing electronic payment, access and court lighting,

2020 - On line payment of club membership fees was implemented, greatly reducing administration work.

2019 -2021 - Repairs to surfaces and improved drainage for En Tout Cas courts 1 to 3.

2021 - On line payment of competition/ball fees for team members  introduced. Club membership exceeded 400.

2020 - 2022 - Major disruptions to all club activities due to various COVID-19 lockdowns over 2 year period. This extended from March 2020 until autumn 2022 with restrictions on access, competiton cancellations, limited acccess to the club house etc. 

2022 - Replacement of retaining wall on courts 4 & 5 togther with replacement of both court playing surfaces with "Supergrasse Court Turf".  Completed over the summer and in use late February 2023, our cost for court surfaces $40k. Club membership 320.

Shade Sails2023 - A mains water leak on Napier Street on 31st January flooded courts 6&7 and courts 1 to 3 resulting in court closures and major repairs to remove mud and debris. In March we received a $32k grant for installation of shade sails as part of the Victorian Government "Shades Grants Program". In June we received a $7k grant from Bendigo Bank used for part of Shade Sails and Court 3 upgrade. In June, Court 3 was repaired and upgraded due to wear and tear, this completes the upgrade of our en-tout-cas courts 1-3 started in 2019. The Shade sails were installed between courts 4&5 and 6&7 in October 2023, cost $34k.  Club membership 300.

 

 

Historic Photos