Prior to the Second World War, several times meetings had been called and after discussions the meetings were abandoned without a decision being made- from reports given it appears that the stumbling block was always Sunday Tennis.

FORMATION OF PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE

In 1945, Tennis Players began again discussing the possibility of forming Lawn Tennis courts in Warrnambool. March 1946 saw a provisional committee formed. Calling themselves the Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club Provisional Committee. This group of 6 tennis enthusiasts made several important decisions early in its formation.

1. Sunday Tennis would not be allowed to become an issue till the Club was formed and then the playing members would make to the decision whether tennis should be played on a Sunday or not.

2. That we would investigate all possible sites for grass courts, obtain the best opinions available regarding soil quality, types of grasses for such soil, drainage of sites etc. After due consideration of these reports we would decide on the position of the courts and apply for either lease or purchase of land chosen.

Many sites were inspected including the flats at Russell's Creek, Albert Park, and Victoria Park, the area occupied by the East Warrnambool State School and Jetty Flat, Lake Pertobe. After taking in detailed reports on soil tests, and costs of leveling, proximity to town it was a unanimous decision the Jetty Flats be chosen.

The Provisional Committee on 5/9/46 wrote to the City Council requesting the lease of this area. The report of this being in The Standard on Wednesday September 9th. 1946.

FORMATION OF THE CITY OF WARRNAMBOOL LAWN TENNIS CLUB

A public meeting of all interested in the formation of the Club was advertised for December 19th.1946.

Fifty citizens attended this meeting. Elected were:

President- Dr. F. J Hetherington,  Secretary - H.W Shilton,  Vice President -A. Gallaher

Treasurer - R. Potter.

The lease for the land was finally signed on January 22nd. 1948. Great assistance was given by the Hon. H. S Bailey M.L.A. and the City Council.

COMMITTEE ACTIVE

The active committee had arranged soil tests, of which 1000 yards would be required, the most suitable being along the Merri River. The Shire Council when approached allowed the soil to be removed under supervision.

The Constitution of the Club was finalized and Prospectus for Debentures was completed.

Finance was raised by the running of several house parties at the homes of the President and Secretary.

In September 1947 the efforts were almost bought to a halt by some members of the community. A motion was placed that we abandon the project before we were financially embarrassed failed to gain support. A further motion that we interview and discuss the project with the concerned public asking their co-operation was passed.

WORK ON SITE

Mr. B. Barton voluntarily spread 27 cwt. of ammon. Sulfate. Mr. S. Kelson had plans drawn for the clubhouse. He also offered his work shop and machinery free of charge.

Mr. E. Turland and Mr. A. McCrabbe laid the water pipes under the whole area voluntarily. Committee members and Mr.  G. Chisholm plus the City Engineer gave much valuable time and effort. Working bees were the rule, every weekend something was being done for the Club.

MARCH 12TH  1948  -  ISSUE OF DEBENTURES

A prospectus was printed and sent to leading citizens showing what we hoped to spend and do and also how we expected to budget.

Membership was taken out by L.Hogan, R.Parker, C.Shilton, H. Shilton, E. Shilton, R. Shilton and D. Zanos at 50 pounds per person.

The club was now financial.

By the end of August the area had been leveled. In the first week of September the first seeds were sown. The end of September saw the lawn being rolled.

Net posts and seats were being built at working bees. As no building permit was available for the Clubhouse a small building was purchased and now remains as our Tournament Box.

THE CURATOR

Mr. Geo. Barker was engaged as curator in September 1948. He retired from his position in 1963 due to ill health. The club owes much to him in its formative days.  Not only was he curator but builder, bricklayer, and painter also a tennis player of mean caliber. Geo. always had the club at heart.

AFFILIATION F.T.A.V

September '48 the L.T.A.V accreted the affiliation of the W.L T.C

Players were now beginning to show an eagerness to join the club.

Saturday December 18th saw the Mayor Cr. J.B. Dwyer officially open the courts.

FIRST FEW YEARS OF PLAY

1950.
First Labour Day tournament held.
The Barker family supervises the courts at the fee of 1-1-0
The foundations of the club house were constructed by working bees each Sunday morning.

1951.
Mr. S Oakley Sec. Mr. C Wines Treasurer.
Mr. A G Morton granted Honorary Life Membership for his work in establishing hedges and plants since clubs inception.

1953.
Mr. A Anderson Sec.
Club House paid for, toilet block and exhibition court completed.
Caretaker's cottage in progress.

1954.
Caretaker's cottage completed.
Membership 400.
150 players on Saturdays.

1956.
Mr. G Barker, Mr. and Mrs. Beatty, Mr. W Harmon made life members.
Mr. J Hatch presented the Warrne Kennedy Memorial Cup to the Club to be played Labour Day Tournament.

1959.
Mr. R Hartley Pres. R. Humphrays Sec.

1960.
Mr. D Wood Sec.