Firstly I’d like to commence by acknowledging the tremendous support from the committee. Paul Robinson – Secretary, John Dunne – Vice President, James Arnold – Treasurer, and Committee members Sally Tisdall, Melinda Rochford, Rebecca Richardson, Bruce Easton and Peter Davidson.

Financials

We are fortunate to be in a strong financial position. However we have had some rather large outgoings this year – mainly the 140th Celebration and the Court Surface Replacement – both of which were necessary and I will touch on shortly. My continued aim as President is to ensure we remain financial, with our priority focus on ensuring our facilities and courts are maintained to a satisfactory level for the enjoyment of all members.

On Day

Late last year I was approached by a team from sportswear manufacturer On to hold a brand marketing event at our club. Our club was chosen from a list of 8 tennis courts in Melbourne as it was seen as an ideal location to hold the event. In January this year, the team at On came down and put on an event to remember. Members were kitted out from head to toe with On gear and had an opportunity to demonstrate their talents on the courts. The day’s climax was a surprise visit by world number 1 female player, Iga Swiatek who patiently posed for photos with our members and graciously hit a few balls with members and guests. The day culminated with an all inclusive evening event held at the Carousel on Albert Park Lake. Food and refreshments were provided as we played table tennis and danced the night away.

140th Celebration Lunch

A celebratory lunch was held in March on a beautiful spring day. A significant milestone for the club was celebrated on the courts. We had a marquee setup and catering provided for our members and guests. Honoured guest Mayor Heather Consuolo and President of Tennis Victoria Jacqueline Pirone were invited and spoke to the attendees along with club stalwart Alan Attwood and myself.

Court Resurfacing

In August of this year we commenced the resurfacing of our courts. As we’ve touched on earlier, we have spent a sizeable amount of money on this upgrade. We have allowed the courts to settle over the last few weeks and last week we had the repairer come out to remove excess sand and once again groom the courts. We have allowed this period of time to ensure the sand settles deep into the fibres of the surface to avoid to wearing we experienced on our previous surface. As a committee court maintenance is our number one priority. Court maintenance will be conducted regularly – as often as quarterly – to ensure we get the maximum possible lifespan out of this surface. We previously resurfaced the courts in February of 2019. We want to make sure that we get at least 10 years usage from this surface. As always, we will continue to stress to our membership base to bag the courts after play.

Social Media

Our new website was launched post last years AGM. Committee Member Melinda Rochford put in a significant effort to make this happen and I’d personally like to acknowledge that contribution. As well as the website, Melinda manages our club Instagram page – which has double in followers from last year!

Membership

We have a total membership base of approximately 500 members which includes Social Club members and Junior Members. Junior Members: Approx 100 Senior Members: Approx 380 Social Club Members: 24 Absentee: 6 This year we managed to offer 25 Senior Playing memberships to those on the waiting list and approximately 25 Junior Playing memberships. Our waiting list is approximately 430 long and this approximately equates to a 5-6 year waiting period for new applicants.

Community Initiative

The club continued to the Park Towers initiative under Bruce with the help of Brett Earle and some of our younger menmbers. We will continue to run this program again next year and hopefully more children will attend. We have supported some of the children that attended these programs with coaching lessons on Saturday mornings throughout the year.

Competitions

Our Womens and Men’s Team continues to compete in the Bayside Regional Tennis association. Women’s Team: The women’s team which play on Thursday mornings, currently compete in a very competitive section 3. The mens team currently sitting in a tough Mens Doubles competition – led by a very strong Elwood team. Club Championships: The mens club championships were held in April of this year. Leon Katelis managed to overcome 8 time club champion and stalwart Dean Stewart in a hard fought and entertaining 3 set match – to win his first club championship. The doubles also saw Leon and Dean battle it out – supported by myself and Alan Attwood respectively. Leon and myself prevailed in a tight contest. There was no Ladies Singles or Doubles held as we didnt attract enough interest. Hopefully this will change over the next few years – and any suggestions on how we can encourage more ladies to enter and participate will be greatly appreciated. Junior Club Championships: Once again our coach Nicole Bruce Smith will hold and run the Junior Club championships – in the coming weeks.

Vale Arnie Barker

As most of you have heard, we are grieving the loss of one of our members. I’ll read out some words Alan put together as a small tribute. The club is mourning the death in October of Arnold Barker, aged 75. ‘Arnie’, as everyone called him, had been a member over five decades. He spent time on the committee, helped organised the club championships and was a two-time winner of the men’s doubles – triumphing on the second occasion in a pair of distinctive blue-andwhite striped shorts that would not have passed muster at Wimbledon. Above all else, he was a wonderful club man: friendly, interested in everyone’s news, and with a dry sense of humour. Health issues over the past few years made it impossible for him to play tennis but he was still a regular visitor, especially on Tuesday evenings. He would find his favourite seat, watch play and provide cutting commentary on proceedings. Arnie will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The club will be creating a plaque to be placed on the bench on his favourite seat.

Priorities for the Next Year

• Court Maintenance • Establish the Code of Conduct • Committee Succession Plan • Budget • Source CPA Accountant to conduct our financial report review

Upcoming Dates:

24th November – 100 plus tournament will be held. We are hoping this is well attended as we hope to make this an annual event. Finally, we will hold this year’s Christmas / New members day on the 15th December.

Thankyou all.