The anniversary party, which includes a free barbecue and an invitation to play some social tennis, will take place on Sunday, January 30, from 4pm-7pm at the club's courts adjacent to Nelson Bay Bowling Club.

"The celebration is a great opportunity for us to give back to the community," said committee member and event coordinator Forster Breckenridge.

"In addition to having the courts available for a hit, there will be plenty of family entertainment including ball machines, mini-tennis, games and prizes. To ensure that COVID safe protocols are adhered to, we will be insisting that all those who attend must be double vaccinated."

Breckenridge said that the event would also provide those who have never picked up a tennis racquet, or have not for a long time, to come along and give the game a try.

Nelson Bay Tennis Club is one of the oldest existing sporting bodies in Port Stephens, taking up residency on its current site in 1956 with two clay courts.

According to historian Bruce Scott, prior to 1956 the club had conducted its activities on courts in Apex Park and a privately owned court in Donald Street.

"A works committee elected in 1957 undertook to improve the playing surface for competition purposes and erect a club shed. finances for this operation were derived from social functions, cake stalls, fashion parades and the like, allowing for the entry of four teams in the Port Stephens Tennis Association Saturday afternoon competition," he said.

In 2020, under current club coach/manager Blake Denison, the tennis club has a membership of around 200 senior and junior players.

Today competitions are staged Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights, as well as Saturday afternoons.

The club continues to run a successful annual seniors tournament and in May 2020 with the support of Port Stephens Council, the club was able to upgrade its light fittings. More recently, the council spent approximately $250,000 on more improvements to the area's leading tennis facility, comprising new lights, fencing and retaining walls.

For more information on the 60^th birthday celebrations or club activities, phone 0403 634 667.

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