REGIONAL TENNIS CENTRE STATUS FOR BLUE GUM PARK

Blue Gum Park Tennis Club has been selected by Tennis West and Tennis Australia as one of five Regional Tennis Centres in the Perth metropolitan area.  This is a very significant achievement for the future development of the club and the sport of tennis.
In 2006 Tennis Australia conducted a national tennis facility survey to get a better understanding of existing tennis club facilities in Australia from which a firm direction and decisive development strategy could be established.  Blue Gum Park participated in the survey.  A number of changes and needs for modern tennis facilities were identified resulting in Tennis Australia producing its Tennis 2020 facility development and management framework for Australian Tennis as a blueprint for developing sustainable and vibrant clubs into the next decade.
An integral part of the Tennis 2020 strategy is the establishment of a hierarchy of tennis facilities in Australia that are considered to be well placed for further development as models or demonstration sites for other clubs to follow.
At the top of the hierarchy are the National Tennis Centres in each state, in our case the State Tennis Centre at Burswood, followed by 50 Regional Tennis Centres throughout Australia - 5 in each capital city,  some 300+ Sub-Regional Centres and 600+ each of Medium and Local  Centres..
Our selection as one of the 5 Perth Metropolitan Regional Centres is a meritorious achievement and an acknowledgement of the fine facility we have developed over the years, our history of good club management, and the quality coaching programmes provided.  The benefits to the club include priority access to Tennis Australia funding and other non financial assistance.  Our joint responsibilities with Tennis Australia through Tennis West are embodied in a Memorandum of Understanding which in turn is reflected in our club’s business plan.   We already meet most of the required criteria but there are some areas where attention is required.  These include the commitment to improving spectator viewing infrastructure and to the development of a tournament schedule.
As part of our commitment we are currently nearing the end of what has been a long process planning improvements to our facilities and infrastructure, and expect, within the next few months to commence construction of improved access-ways, viewing areas, fencing and other support infrastructure.   We will continue to provide attractive tennis programs for existing and new members, foster junior and senior player development and coaching initiatives and keep abreast of developments and opportunities in our Club and Centre administration activities.  The vision is in place!

SOCIAL NEWSLETTER FOR 2009/2010 SEASON

Welcome all to the 2009/2010 season!
And with a very cool and wet start to spring we are all wondering when the warmth is going to actually happen for this season - I dare say Neville definitely is with respect to the health of the courts!
This will be my final newsletter as I am eventually handing over the reins as Social Director to the very capable Patrick Hall.
It will be fabulous to have him in the social"hot"seat directing our ever expanding committee! Additional members who have come onboard are Trudi Hall,Greg Paull,Derek Blackman and Wati Hartley -- great to have your help & ideas. At this point I would like to express my gratitude for and appreciation of the hard work of the other long serving members who have been absolutely fantastic over the years that I have been at the helm. Thank you so very much to Lyn Gannon, Wendy Cornford, Barb Blewett, Wendy Jacobs, Sue Tribe, Sue Redmond, Anne Constantine and Karen Salt.
We have heaps in store for us all by way of social engagements this season, kicking off with a bus trip for "catch up lunch and wine tasting"-OCT 11. BBQ's will resume for 1st Saturday of the month interspersed with an occasional International food evening. Christmas will be a casual affair this year and New Years Eve could be huge!
A progressive dinner is in the pipeline and very possibly a bingo/quiz night with a difference! Also ten pin bowling followed by Indian cuisine. For info on all these events look for posters at the club and emails that Paul Davies is terrific at sending out on a regular basis.
OPENING DAY is SAT OCT 17TH -- looking forward to it! Remember your plate of delicious food for a 12.30 start!
CHEERS FOR A HAPPY SEASON OF TENNIS & SOCIALISING!

Catherine Brock