10 June 2025 | Tennis Victoria

Congratulations to Mt Eliza Tennis Club, who have been proudly recognised as Tennis Victoria’s Affiliate of the Month for June 2025!

This forward thinking club has taken an innovative and environmentally conscious step by embracing Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), and the results speak for themselves. In just a short time between the launch of Tennis Victoria’s partnership with CDS to the end of May 2025, Mt Eliza Tennis Club has already raised $2,200 by collecting 22,000 recyclable containers!

What began as a small initiative, led by the Club’s president Lil Shinkfield with the support of treasuer Narelle Archibald simply dropping off their own cans and bottles, has quickly grown into a powerful fundraising stream for the club. The process is simple: each eligible container returns 10 cents, and those cents are adding up fast, with the funds now going directly toward much-needed clubhouse and garden improvements.

With a goal of raising $10,000, the club hopes to refurbish its ageing clubhouse, fixing tiles, adding a fresh coat of paint, and creating a more welcoming space for members and visitors alike. Thanks to the support and resources provided by CDS, the collection and processing system has been seamless, allowing the club to focus on what matters most, which is building a strong and sustainable future.

An outstanding contributor to the community both on and off the court, the club has always been a strong supporter of building a healthy and thriving tennis community to ensure sustainability and visibility.

This mindset has seen Mt Eliza Tennis club team up with like-minded neighbouring community organisations to create a larger impact. An innovative approach that shows creativity and forward thinking, something that highlights real leadership within the local club landscape.

Mt Eliza Tennis Club is a great example of the power that collaboration and partnerships can have in connecting tennis to community wellbeing and education. Not to mention the visibility it can bring to a club which can have a positive flow-on effect when it comes to growth and expansion.

Mt Eliza Tennis Club encourages other clubs across Victoria to get involved. Whether you’re a small or large club, every can and bottle counts. Through CDS, affiliated clubs can register and receive a Donation Partner ID, which anyone can use to direct their donations to. Community members can simply visit their local depot, recycle their containers, and nominate their chosen club – something Mt Eliza Tennis Club is actively encouraging its own members to do.

This initiative is a win-win for clubs, communities, and the environment. Mt Eliza Tennis Club has shown just how powerful grassroots sustainability can be, and they highly recommend the program to others looking to raise funds while making a positive impact.

We caught up with Mt Eliza Tennis Club and chatted to them about their experience with CDS. Watch the video below to find out more!

Congratulations again to Mt Eliza Tennis Club. Your leadership, creativity, and commitment to sustainability is inspiring!