History

 

The Swan Hill Tennis Club, as it is at present, was formed in 1910, although there is evidence from "the Swan Hill Guardian", that tennis was played and clubs existed prior to this date.The first court was asphalt and at Albrecht's Park. In the post "Great War" period, a more worthy site was considered to match an increasing population and expanding township.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new Swan Hill Tennis Club erected a pavilion and four courts at their preferred site, adjoining the river. On Good Friday in April of 1925, the first annual Easter Tournament was conducted. There were 148 entries from all parts of the northern district, including as far as Sea Lake and Robinvale. On the Easter Monday, the official opening of the courts took place. Cr J G Dunstan, the President of the Shire, "congratulated the club on having the new courts amid pleasant surroundings when declaring the courts open. He regarded it as a step in the right direction to provide enjoyment which would tend to keep people from leaving town, and, on the other hand, bring visitors to it, as it had done at this tournament."

'Swan Hill Guardian' April 1925.

 

End of an Era

On Sat 18 December 1982, the final matches took place at the Riverside tennis courts. The 'Guardian' of 12 January 1983 noted; " The Swan Hill Tennis Club has now completed a transfer from its home of the past fifty years to the new site in Yana Street ...".

Pennant competitions resumed at the new venue on Saturday, 8 January 1983, under severe dust storm conditions. This move, which included moving the club house, enabled the Swan Hill Caravan Park to expand and doubled the grass courts from 18 at Riverside to initially 36 at Yana Street, plus four hard courts with lighting.

 

                            

Acknowledgement

The preservation of the history and traditions of a club are important for future generations. Graham Gardner has done this superbly in Remembering Riverside and Beyond. Complimentary copies are available to all members