OLD TENNIS COURTS 

With the advent of Yunderup Canals in the early 70's and particularly following the liquidation by the R&I Bank from 1976, the population in South Yunderup was on a rapid increase it became evident that the growing population, many with children, needed sporting facilities and Friday night drinkers needed a place, so the idea was born to create a Sport & Recreation Club. 

1st BOWLING GREEN BEFORE OPENING

 

 

The Club was provided with $40,000 from the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation and the Shire proceeded with raising a loan for its contribution. Club members held regular fund-raising activities and in all, the Committee cash contribution to the project amounted to $33,334.

But just as planning started to get underway on Lot 9 and some earthworks carried out, Sunland approached the two Yunderup council members offering to set aside 12000sq.m in the Murray Lakes project dedicated to the Club over and above their required 10% for public open space. In addition, they would pass to the Club, title to land opposite, intended to be sold by the Club for later expansion of the facilities. The Club Committee abandoned Lot 9 and in June 1984, with the Murray Shire and Dept of Youth, Sport & Recreation agreement, resolved to apply their grants to the Delta Drive site.

 

At long last, building of the Yunderup Sport & recreation Club begins. The steel structuring was commenced 1985, the bricks were delivered 1985, the Brick layers started laying on Friday 20th December and finished on Sunday 22 December 1985.

Clubrooms construction went to tender in September 1985 and the tender was won by Murray Shire Council for $89,000. Construction started in November 1985 using local tradesmen. During construction, donations to the Club continued and donors were recognised by having their names engraved in a brick into the rooms.

CONCRETE SLAB POURED NOVEMBER 1985

The clubrooms and tennis courts were opened in September 1986 by the Hon Keith Wilson who, with local member Wendy Fatin, arrived at the Club by boat to undertake this ceremony.

The members keen to eventually become lawn bowlers in the Club, slaved away tirelessly levelling, planting and reticulating the greens.   The bowling facilities were eventually opened in March 1988 by Graeme Edwards the then Minister for Sport and Recreation.   All the self help was represented as part of the Club’s 1/3 contribution.

 

With the Club rooms in operation, the committee scrounged a cool room and coca cola fridges and a bar, obtained a liquor license and the regular darts, table tennis, indoor bowls and occasional dances commenced.

As time progressed, the demography of Yunderup leaned toward retirement and aged residents and bowling became the predominant sport of the Club members.

The big challenge now emerging is to continue the existing camaraderie and provide for the requirements, participation and community spirit of ratepayers in Austin Cove.  

 

 

If you have any old photos or info please send us an email 

History of Internet Development at Yunderup Sport and Recreation Club

From a Single Spreadsheet to High-Speed Fibre Connectivity

Introduction

The evolution of the Yunderup Sport and Recreation Club’s internet and technology infrastructure mirrors the broader changes in Australian clubs over the past two decades. This history recounts the journey from limited digital resources to a sophisticated, high-speed network supporting dozens of devices and modern operational needs.

Early Days: Limited Technology (circa 2008)

Around 2008, the Club’s digital footprint was minimal. The office housed just one personal computer, relying solely on a single Excel spreadsheet with no internet access. Committee members recognised the need for a website, which triggered the search for an internet connection.

After several weeks of persistent phone calls to Telstra, the Club finally secured internet access in the office, located in the north-west corner of the building. This initial connection laid the foundation for the Club’s future digital expansion.

Growth and Expansion: Office Relocation and Infrastructure Upgrades (2014 Onwards)

By around 2014, the Club received a substantial government grant—worth several million dollars—for building new facilities and additions. As part of this expansion, the office was moved from the Northwest corner to the Southwest corner of the Club.

As recommended by the Contracted builder, the original internet line and equipment were transferred to storeroom one (the current location), transitioning to a rack system. Ethernet cabling was then distributed throughout the Club, connecting the new office in the south-west and the match office in the south-east. This major upgrade relied on Telstra’s existing copper telephone wires for both internet and telephony.

Transition to NBN and Wi-Fi Implementation

With the advent of the National Broadband Network (NBN), fibre-to-the-node technology (FTTN) became available, though the Club still relied on copper wires for the final connection. Telstra provided a free Wi-Fi system for members at cost and maintained the existing landline telephone setup.

Eventually, Telstra’s willingness to maintain the free Wi-Fi system waned, and rising costs led the Club to seek alternatives. Telecomwest, whose engineer lived nearby, offered a better deal and installed a new system for no cost, free Wi-Fi for members with Web Site login, a staff Wi-Fi network with password protection, and a digital PABX phone system supporting three to four digital phones. This system conveniently forwarded voicemails to admin staff via email, streamlining communication.

Modernisation: Point of Sale and Technology Upgrades

As the Club modernised, the bar required an internet-enabled point of sale (POS) system to replace the old cash-based approach. Two POS terminals were installed, connected via ethernet cabling routed from the match room to the bar.

Despite these improvements, the initial POS system became cumbersome and unreliable over time. Staff found it difficult to learn and use, prompting the Club to upgrade to the Lightspeed POS system about twelve months ago. To support this, a mesh Wi-Fi system was installed near the POS machines, dramatically expanding coverage up to 300 metres—sufficient for use on A and B green and other club areas.

Preparing for High-Speed Fibre and Infrastructure Challenges

With over 45 devices now relying on the Club’s internet, further upgrades were essential (average speeds 37 MB/s). Following extensive correspondence with NBN, the government approved a transition to fibre-to-the-premises, (FTTP) promising much faster speeds. Telecomwest quoted just and extra $11.30 per month for speeds up to 250 MB/s, maintaining the existing PABX phone system and free Wi-Fi system with Web site login with the same excellent service that exists today.

A member recommended that we shift the Rack system to the SouthWest Office. However, relocating the modem and rack system across the building would have cost thousands and required significant rewiring, including security system adjustments for doors and windows. Structural challenges, such as large beams, further complicated the installation. Instead, the Club opted to keep the rack system, simply shifting it one and a half metres will avoid interference from the solar panel system.

Technical Hurdles and Community Solutions

Throughout these upgrades, the Club faced numerous technical challenges, including inconsistent advice from NBN engineers regarding required cabling. Initially, category 6A cable was recommended and purchased, installed with the help of a club-member electrician at a very reasonable cost considering the large beams to overcome. After discovering the cable type was incorrect, another helpful NBN engineer assisted in resolving the issue, ensuring the new NBN box was properly installed in storeroom one.

This collaborative, community-driven approach, relying on club members and local experts, helped the Club overcome obstacles and optimise its technology infrastructure.

Conclusion

The journey from a single computer and spreadsheet to a modern, high-speed network supporting digital phones, advanced POS systems, mesh Wi-Fi, and dozens of connected devices reflects the Yunderup Sport and Recreation Club’s commitment to innovation and service for its members. Each step—whether driven by necessity, opportunity, or community spirit—has contributed to a robust technological foundation supporting the Club’s ongoing growth and success.

Leo Harwood