By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Upwey South Tennis Club is marking its 50th birthday – a milestone that’s been decades in the making, with a strong sense of community at its heart and the whole community is invited to join the celebration on Sunday, 4 May from 11am to 4pm.
The club will open its gates on Eloera Street to host a free, fun-filled day for everyone – past and present members, as well as anyone interested in seeing what the club’s all about.
The club’s treasurer, Sandra Beer, has been with Upwey South for over 20 years, and she’s one of the first to tell you how much this day means to the club.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years already,” Ms Beer said.
“We have such a strong, local community behind us. Just look at the flags in our clubhouse – they’re a testament to our history and how far we’ve come. Having 500 members on our database is something we’re really proud of – that’s not easy to achieve.”
Over the years, the club has made significant progress, with Ms Beer highlighting the recent upgrades as a key achievement. All courts have been upgraded from en-tout-cas to synthetic grass, and the outdated halogen lights have been replaced with energy-efficient LED lighting.
“We’ve always tried to stay ahead of the curve,” she said.
But it’s not just about the courts and lights.
Ms Beer said the club’s longstanding partnership with Extreme Tennis has been a cornerstone of the club’s coaching programs for more than 20 years.
“A solid coaching program is key to any great club, and we’re lucky to have such a loyal partner in Extreme Tennis,” she said.
Of course, no club’s journey is without its challenges, and Upwey South has faced its share.
In the mid-2000s, the club was on the brink of collapse, and it took a dedicated group of volunteers to save it.
“We had a real crossroads moment back then, if it wasn’t for the people who stepped up, the club might not have survived,” she said.
But the club is not only surviving – it’s thriving.
During the pandemic, the club’s previous committee worked tirelessly to keep members engaged, securing grants that allowed the club to upgrade its facilities.
Now, with a new committee in place as of 2023, Ms Beer said they’re more optimistic than ever about the club’s future.
“The club is in good hands, we’ve got a fantastic team, and it’s exciting to see what’s coming next,” she said.
So, why is this 50th anniversary such a big deal? It’s a time to celebrate the club’s history and, most importantly, its people.
“Fifty years is a huge milestone, and we wouldn’t be here without the support of our members,, this is our way of saying thank you and reflecting on everything we’ve accomplished together,” Ms Beer said.
The big day on Sunday, 4 May, promises something for everyone – whether you’re a fan of social tennis, looking for fun Hot Shots activities for the kids, or keen to catch some exciting exhibition matches, there’s plenty of fun in store.
For those who love a bit of friendly competition, there will be a speed radar and ball machine, as well as prizes in the raffle. And, of course, what’s a celebration without food? The Upwey Men’s Shed will be firing up the barbecue to add some delicious flavour to the day.
Ms Beer said you don’t have to be a member to play.
“We’re one of the few clubs around that allows non-members to come and play without signing up first. It’s all about making tennis accessible for everyone,” she said.
The club’s treasurer said the club has always been about more than just tennis – it’s about creating a community.
Over the years, the club has hosted a range of activities for all ages, from junior competitions to social play, and it continues to offer opportunities for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out.
A few of the club’s recent achievements include winning the Wilson Round the World competition for the Asia-Pacific region and claiming their first Tennis Victoria pennant flag, Ms Beer said they are a club that truly punches above its weight.
“We’re proud of where we’ve come from, but we’re just as excited about where we’re headed, there’s so much more to come,” she said.
To join the free event, sign up here: forms.gle/WWjkaxF8CUgQuqbx5.
