Steels Creek Tennis Club

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE STEELS CREEK TENNIS CLUB.

According to an article in "The Evelyn Observer" 19th May 1911, the Steels Creek Tennis Club was opened by Mr. E.C. Morris. It seems that the courts were on Mr. Fletcher's land.

Then on 21st February 1920 the Club was opened by Cr. W. Hubbard. It seems this was a different location, probably at what was known as Commerford Hill, just north of Valley Road.

In 1961 Bill & Mary Lawrence donated land to build the present courts, but it was 1988 before decent facilities became available. In the 1990's, the land was deeded over to the local Shire, but the Steels Creek Tennis & Social Club, Inc operates the facilities by agreement with the Shire.

The Club volunteers worked to improve the facilities, and the bitumen courts were redone in Synpave in 1999, and again, with a the help of a grant from the Shire, synthetic grass courts were laid over the Synpave in 2007. Further improvements came with new lights in 2009 and a new clubhouse in 2011.

Steels Creek players compete in the Eastern Region Tennis Association (http://www.ertinc.org.au/). At their web site you can see the standings of our teams by selecting Steels Creek from their ladders page. We are also affiliated with Tennis Victoria and the Mountain Area Ladies Tuesday Tennis Association (MALTTA).

The new club rooms were formally opened on Sunday, 15 May 2011 with the assistance of Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Terry Avery and Cr. Jeanette McRae. Cr. McRae asked Life members Alby and Gwen Leckie and Jean Lowe to cut the ribbon opening the facility. Following a nice morning tea, Danielle Lowerson, Community Tennis Officer with Tennis Victoria, provided games and prizes for the younger set and a sausage sizzle was provided for others. Thanks also to Katie Kelly of Victoria Sport and Recreation for setting up the day.

The Steels Creek Tennis Club was recognized at the 2009 Victorian Sport and Recreation Awards ceremony on 23 November at the MCG for its "outstanding contribution to bushfire recovery". The press release said "Sports clubs such as Steels Creek Tennis Club are at the heart of many communities and provide a place for families and friends to get together and in times of adversity, sport can play a key role in building community strength. Our bushfire-affected clubs are playing a key role as communities rebuild, recover in the months and years after the fires." This was unexpected by us, and we are grateful to our community for their support.

Both Steels Creek Tennis Club teams have won Premiership of their sections (OS-08 and OS-13) of the Eastern Region Tennis Association. Finals were played on Saturday, 28 March 2009 - each team playing the Reserve Champion team from Parkwood. Each team finished at the top of their ladder and played through to win in the Grand Final. Congratulations to Alby Leckie and Reon Vuglar, captains of the teams, and all who participated and supported the teams. Well done!

MAIN ACTIVITIES

AGM - Third Sunday in October. Come and join us for our AGM at the courts starting at noon. Bring some fodd to throw on the barbeque afterwards.

¤ Monday night - Social Tennis - 7:30PM (Summers only)

¤ Tuesday - Morning Social Tennis - 9:00AM

¤ Thursday - Social Tennis - 7:30PM

¤ Saturday - Regular Competitions. - 1:00-5:00PM