A word from President Ralph, on the year that was....
Dear Members,
The 2023 AGM is approaching, and it will be my last. The Constitution we put into place limits the number of terms anyone can spend on the Committee, and so I must leave. It is also the last term for Deb and Glenn and after a decade of Committee duties, it is pleasing to reflect on what has happened. We came in a time of turbulence and discord. We have turned that around and put our name out to the Tennis Community in a very positive manner. We have won awards, earned sponsorships, survived COVID, and updated our Courts. We have started the challenging process of renewing the Clubhouse. I would have hoped to be further on in this process.
Our Club is a diverse business. This requires all the Committee to be on the same page when it comes to the Vision for the future. I have been extremely lucky to have been able to work with a wonderful group of Committee members, over the journey. We haven’t always agreed, but we have found the best solutions through discussion and research. I would like to thank Ian Fuelscher (The Pied Piper), Onofrio Raffaele, Leigh Hunt, Sue Scarcella, Karen Clydesdale, Mahesh Kari, Natalie Harwood and Kirsty Russell who were there at the start. The other starters, who are still with us are Debra Bolic, Glenn Mescher, Chris Woods and Rohan Appleton. We were further blessed to have Tony Lane return and take care of the Juniors, until his retirement last year. I want to thank Paul Lidgerwood for his ability to raise money for us and his contributions to the Committee. I want to thank Alisha Fulker and
Parag Manihar for their efforts, and in recent times Andrew McVean, Sarah Bullen and Mark Stevens.
This year has seen some positive initiatives from Lita. It was always going to be tough following on from Deb. Lita has managed to do this in her own way and do a wonderful job. Deb continues to contribute well beyond the duties of Committee Secretary. We owe her a debt of gratitude for the time she gives to the Club. Competition tennis is thriving. Thanks to Chris Woods for driving this, along with Peter Car. Rohan Appleton continues to look after Maintenance. Glenn Mescher continues to provide a wealth of knowledge and Counsel. Andrew McVean continues to deliver extremely positive financials, despite all of the challenges we have faced in the last few years. Danielle Whibley continues to help our Strategic Planning. She has also been working with Sarah and Lita to encourage greater diversity at our Club.
Wes, Jake and Futures continue to work collaboratively with the Committee to promote the Club and attract new members. I have been grateful for Wes’ support and knowledge of all things Tennis. His group is an asset for our Club.
We continue to enjoy our relationship with The East Malvern Community Branch of Bendigo Bank. Manager Ruth Hall and her team are local to the Club, and sponsor many of the areas local sporting Clubs. Please ensure you mention us if you choose to do business with them. We have received support from our Federal Member and we have put up signage in accordance with that support. I want to thank our local Member Michael O’Brien for continued support for EMTC. I would also like to thank Stonnington Council for continuing to work so positively with us.
I am very pleased to announce Mark Stevens, our newest Committee member, will be putting his hand up to be the next President. Mark’s nomination is universally supported by the Committee. I would ask everyone to support him.
Lastly, I would like to thank all our members for supporting me through the past 10 years. It has been a privilege to be President. I know there are more challenges ahead and I am confident we can manage them, together.
Best Wishes,
Ralph Muir-Morris
President
East Malvern Tennis Club
