Contributed by Peter Eason
ANY club that exists continuously for 100 years should be proud of the achievement which is testament to the many generations of enthusiasts that maintain the facilities, keep the tennis program alive and provide the social environment that is conducive to friendship and interaction, so important to health and well being.
This was paramount to the Club’s establishment in the early part of the last century as Maleny was really an isolated community, high on the Range and reachable only via quite a treacherous journey in those early days.
Over the years tennis has had its glory years with many a tennis champion crowned on the Maleny courts. Today the competition tennis is played elsewhere, mostly on the Coast, with the main activity on the Maleny courts being of a sociable, but competitive nature.
The celebration took place on Sunday afternoon, May 3. The weather was kind. The courts were in good condition after much rain.
The crowd gathered during the afternoon to watch the tennis on court and enjoy the banter with friends old and new.
The return to the club of some of the players from past generations was great to see.
Their names have been etched into the Club’s history by Jack Wilcox’s book “Maleny Memoirs” and their feats are worthy of recording from past sports champions on court to those that chartered the organisational duties and building projects that we as members in 2026 are able to enjoy today.
It was easy to see that they were enjoying their time back at the Club.
The tennis during the afternoon was enjoyable and very entertaining with players filling the four courts for two and a half hours.
We were then privileged to have both Andrew Powell and Winston Johnston to welcome everyone and unveil the 100 Year plaque that now sits proudly on the clubhouse wall. The BBQ followed as did the tasty ‘punch’ to add a bit of spice to the meal.
An enjoyable part of the afternoon was the heritage attire, as can be seen in some of the photos. It was a fitting celebration of what really is an amazing achievement for any club.