Life member and volunteer extraordinaire, Dianne Broome, has spent over 10 years coordinating the ‘Life After Birth’ (LAB) program at Sorrento Tennis Club. The positive impact of this program is quite simply, beyond measure.
Since the program’s inception in 2008, the volunteer-run crèche facility has run every Tuesday morning, offering affordable and flexible child minding. The program is designed to coincide with the existing social tennis program and coaching lessons offered at the club, enabling more than 180 mums to participate in tennis over the past 10 years.
The concept, which was the brainchild of volunteer Dianne Broome, aims to address the risks associated with the onset of post-natal depression, providing the opportunity to participate in physical activity, break from routine and engage in social connectedness, all while the children are cared for in a safe, enjoyable and affordable environment.
Ms Broome, who is a registered midwife, says these outlets are essential for parents of young children who often fall prey to the traps of isolation.
“As a midwife, I was constantly seeing women who had little opportunity for physical activity and social engagement,”
“Society has changed so much. We now see a lot of families living away from their immediate support networks and as a result there’s limited opportunity to break from the routines and demands of home,”
“Isolation can be incredibly debilitating for parents and is a precursor for the onset of post-natal depression,”
“The number one barrier and contributing factor to the isolation, is a lack of options for childcare, so I set about creating a positive change with LAB,”
“The principal goal of LAB was to help prevent post-natal depression by helping women connect through physical activity and social engagement. I wanted to help Mum’s realise that they weren’t alone,” Ms Broome said
Charging just $10 a family for each visit, Ms Broome maintains that it’s essential the program is made as affordable and as accessible as possible for parents with young children.
“We’ve only ever charged $10 per family and I’ve got no intentions of raising the price. It’s about getting mums out of the house and onto the courts, that’s what’s important,” Ms Broome said.
Running the program for over 10 years, Ms Broome is quick to note that despite her efforts in bringing LAB to life, she couldn’t have done it all alone. Well supported by good friend and fellow volunteer Linda Roberts, Dianne says the pair look forward to Tuesday mornings when the children turn up.
“I started off with an idea which I spent time researching before I presented the concept to the Sorrento Tennis Club, City of Joondalup and my good friend Linda,”
“The tennis club were incredibly supportive of the idea, as were the City of Joondalup who made sure we had the financial backing required to bring the concept to life,”
“I’ve been so well supported, especially from my good friend Linda who has been with me since the beginning,”
“We love Tuesday mornings, Linda and I have an absolute ball,”
“To see the Mum’s faces as the rush through the doors is incredibly rewarding. It’s just such a brilliant feeling and the driving force behind LAB,”
Over the past 10 years LAB has provided care for over 400 children, allowing more than 180 mums to engage in physical activity and social engagement. Yet the impact of LAB runs far deeper, with many mum’s going on to build lifelong friendships and sign up as club committee members.
“We’ve cared for about 400 children over the years, giving more than 180 mums a much needed lifeline,”
“LAB has done so much more than getting mums out of the house and playing tennis. It’s been the foundation of many lifelong friendships and support networks. The impact runs very deep,”
“It’s incredible, these families, who first met on the tennis court, now socialise outside of tennis and go away on holidays together,”
“And then there’s kids that have been around tennis since they were wheeled in to us in prams. To see them out on the court is really something else,”
Cathy Fitzgerald, who first came to LAB when her daughter was just four months old, says the program was a lifeline for her with her support network of family and friends in New Zealand and Victoria.
“Living away from family and friends can be really tough, it’s makes it incredibly difficult to get out of the house and do things for yourself,”
“I’m not sure Dianne and Linda truly appreciate the positive impact they have had on so many lives, mine included”
“They are the most gentle and wonderful women who truly go above and beyond in every regard,”
“They’ve become a very special part of our family. My girls who are now five and ten call them “Aunty Dianne and Aunty Linda”, it’s so lovely to see,”
“And because of LAB, I’m now a passionate and committed committee member who enjoys giving back to the club,” said Ms Fitzgerald
Davina Menezes agrees saying that Dianne and Linda are both vicarious and loving women who are naturally welcoming and supportive of everyone who takes part in LAB.
“I’ll never forget how lovely Dianne and Linda were when I first turned up to the club. A week before, I’d had an accident in the kitchen and my face was covered in superficial burns,”
“I was so depressed and couldn’t bring myself to go out in public but I dragged myself into the club and they both handled it with such warmth and care,”
“LAB makes Tuesday morning a little more bearable with an energetic three year old,”
“Sometimes I even just read and have a cuppa with the ladies instead of playing tennis. Anything to grab a quiet moment knowing that my son is being well cared for by Dianne and Linda,” Ms Menezes said.
Ms Broome, who grew up in outback North Queensland has been involved in tennis all her life. First as a youngster who participated informally whilst her Mum played at the local club and then as a young mother herself who saw tennis as a great opportunity to get out and socialise.
A member of the Sorrento Tennis Club for some 34 years, Dianne was awarded life membership in 2017 in recognition of her ongoing commitment to the club. Alongside her dedication to LAB, Dianne has held the following roles:
• Junior Coordinator – 1999 – 2002
• Ladies Captain – 2004 – 2008
• Club President – 2008/2009
When questioned about what it takes to be a volunteer, Dianne challenges us all to commit whole heartedly to volunteering without any expectation of reward. Claiming quite simply that we should all ‘dare to do something without reward’.
Program details:
What: Life After Birth (LAB)
Where: Sorrento Tennis Club
When: Every Tuesday during school terms
9 am – 12 noon
Contact: (08) 9448 6591
https://sorrentotennisclub.com.au/
Download Dianne’s #ACEgirl poster here
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