Ten years at the helm of the Peregian Tennis Club has served up challenges, connections and lots of great memories for outgoing president Kim Lahey.
Admittedly there are times she’d rather forget, like endlessly chasing up contractors and the on-again-off-again 2020 covid closures. But mostly there are the nuggets like seeing little kids take to tennis like ducks to water, or hearing members say how much they love the vibe at the club.
At the club’s annual general meeting last week, court manager Andrew Veale said, “A very big thank you to our president Kim for all her strategic planning and implementation of club upgrades and grants over many years.“
“She is highly effective in getting tasks done and her presence on the committee will be greatly missed.”
Awarded a life membership in 2018 for service to the club, Kim has been involved there one way or another over the last 20 years since moving to Peregian Beach from Brisbane with her young family.
She has organised more than $200,000 worth of facilities upgrades in the last five years, represented the club at countless meetings and functions, and established great relationships within the Peregian and local community.
At the club’s AGM, Kim said it was so rewarding to be able to give back by helping to run the club over the years.
Peregian Beach Community Kindy and Peregian Tennis Club were an “oasis of social community connection” so it was natural to want to give back to both local organisations over the years.
Andrew echoed that sentiment.
“It is little clubs like ours who welcome everyone of all ages and stages, that really made a difference to people when they move to the area,” he said.
Kim welcomed the new committee of Peter Coleman (president), Bob Tanner (vice president), Heath McOrist (treasurer), Owen Magee (secretary) Danny Tylim and Andrew Veale, saying the club was in a great position in 2021, with a record membership and 40-year track record of diligent saving.
Kim said the club’s success came down to a seamless working partnership between the committee and the court manager.
The club also welcomes non-members and casual players, with social competition tennis most weeknights and coach-and-play sessions most days.
Visit peregiantennisclub.com.au for more information.
