Ellinbank badminton celebrates 75 years
In 1947 the Ellinbank Social Club purchased some badminton equipment for its members to use in the community hall. Thus was the beginning of the Ellinbank Badminton Club which is celebrating its 75th anniversary on April 25.
In 1948, the club entered its first two teams in the West Gippsland Badminton Association Mid-week competition. These teams consisted of four men and four women. Saturday nights became kids' night and the club had about 20 children play in a social competition as there was no junior association at the time.
In 1949 due to travelling distances across the district, the West Gippsland Badminton Association divided and the Mid Gippsland Badminton Association was formed with Ellinbank's Wally Steele elected as its first President.
Although Ellinbank was such a small community the club continued to grow. In 1959 the club decided to build its own hall due to the Community Hall having a low roof, exposed rafters and only one court - with a slippery floor.
Following a long fundraising appeal the club commenced construction in 1973 of a two court stadium on an adjoining block of land donated to the club by George Abel. The building was purchased second hand, dismantled and moved from Melbourne. Its reassembly was completed almost entirely by volunteer labour.
Over the next 30 years the club had as many as six senior teams in the MGBA at a time as well as junior teams in the MGJBA.
Although the club didn't have teams in the highest grade they did win some premierships in other grades. Members have always enjoyed the competition and the social aspects of the club and its famous post match suppers.
In 2008, it was apparent the old wall cladding was deteriorating so the club began a renovation program. The club purchased replacement cladding for one wall from its own funds and in the following years the club was lucky to receive a number of grants from various levels of government to replace the rest of the walls and to install a modern cushioned indoor playing surface. The clubrooms and kitchens were also renovated. Last year marked the completion of renovations.
Due to COVID restrictions, the club was unable to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2021 so it is now inviting all past and present players to celebrate the milestone and to officially open the renovated club rooms and courts. The reunion will be held at noon on Sunday April 25 at the Ellinbank Public Hall.
For further information please contact Gary Mortlock on 0417 315 778.