22 March 2016 | Tennis Victoria

Fawkner’s Shirley Peake has been recognised by Tennis Victoria for her Outstanding Contribution to the Moomba Park Tennis Club.

Mrs Peake has been part of the Moomba Park Tennis Club, Inc for an incredible 42 years, having been part of the club when it was formerly known as St Matthews Tennis Club in 1974. Due to her ongoing commitment and hard work as a Committee member, Mrs Peake was inducted as life member of the Club over 10 years ago.

In 1985 Mrs Peake became the Club’s junior delegate, and in 1988 became the team selection leader.  At the time the club had two junior teams however under Mrs Peake’s guidance Moomba Park now have eight teams.

Mrs Peake has also held various management roles including Secretary for 15 years and has been the Club’s Treasurer for six years.

“Shirley is the backbone, heart, soul and strength of the Moomba Park Tennis Club, Inc,” said Club President Maurice Gasbarro. “She has shaped the Club from a church club to a Community Club where everyone is welcome, and without Shirley the Club would not be what it is and stands for today.”

Mrs Peake’s ability to build and maintain relationships with the Moreland City Council has seen the Club grow and develop to a six court facility.  Having originally negotiated for unused netball courts to be transformed into tennis courts, Mrs Peake then securing funding for the installation of three new grass courts.

“Shirley has her fingers on the pulse on every tennis matter that arises, and is always on the lookout for every possible useful grant that can assist the Club to continue to grow and prosper,” continued Mr Gasbarro.

“She has consistently been able to obtain the Club grants that have assisted with the purchase of equipment, upgrades to the clubroom and even an extension to the clubroom. How she does it remains a mystery, but her persistence is definitely the key.”

For more information on the Moomba Park Tennis Club visit www.tennisfawkner.com.

The Tennis Service Award recognises those who have demonstrated their contribution to the sport of tennis through devoted and significant service to any one or more of the State Tennis Associations’ affiliated tennis clubs and/or associations and/or member organisations. To nominate someone from your club or association for an award click here.