The Victorian Community Tennis Awards recognise Victoria’s on and off court success in a community tennis celebration. Congratulations to the following 3 finalists for the Most Outstandimg Club or Centre award!
Frankston Centenary Tennis Club
Frankston Centenary Tennis Club (FCTC) has quickly become a dynamic and community-driven club, guided by the Health Indicator of Tennis (HIT) tool and Tennis Victoria’s Thriving Tennis Communities framework. With a clear action plan to enhance participation, financial health, and facilities, the club has recently invested in new infrastructure, including four permanent pickleball courts.
FCTC offers a wide range of programs for all ages and abilities, including Hot Shots, Cardio Tennis, Junior and Senior competition, private lessons, and pickleball which has become a major focus with regular social play and coaching sessions. The club’s partnership with Better Tennis Plus is integral to its success, delivering high-quality programs and community engagement. Strong relationships with Tennis Victoria, Tennis Australia, Pickleball Victoria, local government, and sponsors have supported the club’s growth.
Since its merger, FCTC has grown to 20 competition teams and over 130 active social players. In addition to sporting activities, FCTC fosters a strong community spirit through events like trivia nights, pilates classes, and poker nights. With excellent governance, inclusive programming, and continuous facility upgrades, FCTC is setting a new standard for grassroots tennis and pickleball in Victoria.
Hawthorn Tennis Club
Hawthorn Tennis Club is a thriving, community-focused club that continues to grow and innovate. Following the completion of the HIT tool in 2020 and a reassessment in 2024, the Club has refreshed its Strategic Plan for 2025–27 to strengthen its welcoming environment, financial sustainability, facilities, and community connections.
Major achievements include the renovation of the clubhouse and courtyard, expanded social tennis options such as Friday and Sunday socials and LGBTIQA+ events, and strong competition participation across all formats. Partnerships with Swinburne University and other local groups have further enhanced the Club’s community presence, while governance practices have been strengthened through regular committee training and safeguarding agreements.
Membership has more than doubled since 2016, supported by a strong calendar of events and a focus on inclusivity. Hawthorn Tennis Club’s 120th birthday celebration, which launched a new brand and tagline Play. Connect. Belong., captures its community-centred vision and ongoing impact.
Oakleigh Tennis Club
Since relocating to Caloola Reserve in 2019, Oakleigh Tennis Club (OTC) has experienced remarkable growth, as evidenced by its consistent performance in Club Health Overviews and Health Indicator of Tennis (HIT) tool assessments. In 2024, membership numbers saw a surge from 116 to 672. The club has also seen increased court usage, coaching participation, and team entries, with 64 teams competing in 2024.
OTC prioritises accessibility and sustainability, implementing ClubSpark and My-Tennis, adding a second Book-A-Court gate, and keeping fees affordable, despite having their first membership price increase in nine years. During COVID, OTC maintained strong engagement through discounts and bonus memberships. Governance has been strengthened through participation in Monash Council’s Club Development Program and compliance with the Monash Active Sports Club Framework.
The club offers a diverse range of programs, including Hot Shots, Cardio Tennis, performance squads, and weekly social tennis sessions. Coaching by Victorian Tennis Academy has played a key role in its growth, engaging over 150 juniors and 75+ cardio players annually. Strategic partnerships with Tennis Victoria, Monash Council, and local MPs have supported significant facility upgrades, such as the 2023 refurbishment of former NOTC courts and plans for an eight-court development at Hurst Reserve.
In 2024, OTC was recognised as Australia’s #1 Book-A-Court venue and awarded the WDTA Premier Club Award, highlighting its exceptional growth, community impact, and leadership.
Congratulations once again to the three clubs that have been selected as finalists for this category!
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