Message from the President

Welcome everyone to the Spring edition of our club newsletter and a special thanks to the committee members who have volunteered to fill the various positions for the next year. It is wonderful to see some new faces on the committee. At the AGM in August, the elected office-bearers were:
President: Rob Edgley
Treasurer: Joseph Casonato
Secretary: Heather Fawcett
and Dan Aicher, Robyn Allen and Nicola Cresp joined continuing members Phil Cook, Gavin Cox, John Matthews and Sandra Parsons.

The AGM farewelled outgoing President, Peter Gorey, who held the office of club Treasurer for 25 years as well as 7 years as President. We thank Peter for his generous support of the club during his time in office.

Members Survey Results

We had a very healthy response to our Members Survey during September which shows me that there is genuine enthusiasm to get on with various capital works projects around the club. As per the results of the survey, we will now move forward with the lighting project as a priority and will engage with a number of stakeholders for assistance in financing this project.

I am pleased to note that our expression of interest for a Jagajaga "Stronger Communities" funding grant has been successful and we are now progressing our application to the next stage. The purpose of the funding grant is to upgrade the toilets by replacing the dilapidated 45 year old septic tank with a connection to the main drains.

Planning for the future

The club General Committee, in consultation with club members, has developed a five year business plan with the primary objective of improving and refurbishing its facilities in line with a rapidly increasing membership and increasing community engagement. A list of capital works projects has been identified and prioritised based on the results of the survey referred to above. With the support and encouragement of the Banyule City Council and Tennis Victoria we are looking at raising the funds to achieve our goal of making the club a leading sporting venue in the local community.

Tom Ciszewski, Jemma Carbis and Cooper White received Community Sports Awards from Jenny Macklin. Coach Shane Scrutton and I attended the presentation. (Tom wasn't able to attend.)

Finally, I would like to personally congratulate Jemma, Cooper and Tom and also the victorious Ladies Grade 4 Pennant team. What an outstanding result for them as well as the club!

Rob Edgley

Juniors

Last season 8 junior teams played in grand finals, and 3 of those teams were successful. In the NEJTA Spring 2015 season, 133 junior members make up 24 teams in the Saturday morning competition. From beginners to more experienced players, everyone who wears the club team shirt is participating to the best of her/his ability. Some of our junior players have developed their skills to a very high degree as evidenced by our recent Community Sports Award winners.

The NEJTA September Tournament, held at the club on the weekend of September 19-21, also saw Jemma Carbis win the Division A singles draw and Jacob Huertas win the division E draw. Juliet Iuliano and Emma Xu, and Zoe Allen and Skana Sutherland, won their respective divisions in the doubles. The event was attended by the mayor of Banyule, Craig Landon. All credit to the many volunteers from several clubs, including Simone Phillips from ETC, who helped make the day such a success. Congratulations to all juniors who participated.

Thursday 12 November is the date of the annual junior breakup celebration. More information will be available closer to the day.

Selection and Tournament Committee

This year our Grade 4 women’s team secured a prestigious Tennis Victoria Winter Pennant title defeating an experienced Essendon team in a marathon grand final at Royal South Yarra Tennis Club. This success reflected the team’s ability to play well under pressure as Essendon had not lost a match all season. Jemma Carbis, undefeated in singles during the season, was named Grade 4 Pennant player of the year. The team included Jemma, Claire Candido, Kristen Fisher, Emma Giagocovo, Keona Mendez and Ivana Savic. Eaglemont last won a Pennant flag in 2009.

Also successful this year was the Eastern Region Section 1 Singles/Doubles team who won their grand final. Congratulations to team members Nick Bell, Tom Ciszewski, Ben Marlborough, Callum Metcher and Tristan Schwaiger.

The club is again fielding teams in the Spring/Summer HDTA Saturday Mixed, HDTA Midweek Ladies Competition and the Eastern Region Singles/Doubles competition.

Coaching

The popular Womens Tennisfit program runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. These sessions are designed to improve forehands, backhands, serves and volleys while providing an all-court fitness workout. The cost is $260.00 for a term or $30.00 a casual visit. If you want to have a tryout session contact Shane Scrutton via or 0414 373 586. There is also a 1 hour cardio tennis workout every Monday night from 7-8 pm (cost $20.00 per session).

The club is indebted to coach Shane Scrutton for all the work he does particularly with the development of the juniors but also for his participation in events such as the NEJTA tournament, his role in the Pennant competition and his strong support of other senior teams.

Membership

Membership numbers are increasing. At the end of the 2014-2015 financial year the club had 408 members. ETC is ranked 49 in the Top 50 clubs in Victoria based on 'participation' numbers.

Annual subscriptions are now due and can be paid online. Other payment details are on your invoice. Remember you need to be a financial member to be selected into teams.

Works

Clubhouse keys The clubhouse door lock has recently been changed. The door key is now the same as the front gate padlock so members can access the courts as well as the clubhouse with the one key. Those keys are available for purchase at the junior tennis BBQ each Saturday morning, as well as via the usual process, for $8.

Club Sponsors

The club is grateful for continuing generous support from Wes Fry of Tennis Warehouse Australia.

Thanks also to the Bendigo Bank for their donations.

Please mention Eaglemont Tennis Club when purchasing goods from Foodworks Supermarket in East Ivanhoe so that we qualify for donations as part of their community benefit program.