Club History

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