Bairnsdale Tennis Club (BTC) continues to knock on doors as it chases much-needed funds to continue to develop its facilities, so tennis can continue to prosper in East Gippsland.
President of Bairnsdale Tennis Club, Margaret Supplitt, and vice president, Mark Mason, met with State Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh, at the the club last week.
McIntosh was briefed on the club’s current financial position and the master plan for the future.
Since it’s beginning in the 1890s the club has always leaned towards the local council of the day for financial assistance, but council has never engaged with the club financially, while assisting many other sporting organisations in the region.
A stumbling block for both the club and the shire is the land the club sits on is owned by the Department of Energy and Environment.
Mr McIntosh’s interaction came following a visit from Tennis Victoria who have been made aware of the tennis club’s position for future development.
Recent data suggests there has been a seven per cent increase year-on-year in children picking up a tennis racquet, which goes well for a general future plan for the club as a number of years ago tennis participation across Australia was dropping.
McIntosh has promised to shine a brighter light on sport in East Gippsland from a State Government perspective promising to bring the State Minister for Sport, Ros Spence to the region.
