The issue:

Whitehorse Council’s draft Walker Park Redevelopment Master Plan released in November 2025, recommends closing the Mitcham Tennis Club (MTC) and repurposing our site. 

Purpose of the appeal:

We are appealing to the Whitehorse Council to reject this recommendation and include our vital and important Tennis Club at Mitcham in the Walker Park future planning framework. 

Background:

For over 90 years, Mitcham Tennis Club has been a cornerstone of our local sports community, fostering a love for the game and providing invaluable access to tennis for people of all ages. As part of the Walker Park sporting precinct, it continues to be an active club with over 100 members and provides social tennis sessions, competitions, coaching and our courts are available for both members and non-members to enjoy playing the game casually. Mitcham Tennis Club is also a vital support structure for other local clubs who regularly request to use our courts for coaching and competitions due to shortages of courts at their own facilities.

Our Mitcham Tennis Club provides:

• a welcoming and low-cost tennis facility which is available to players of all standards, genders and backgrounds;
• a fun and active sport for children through to seniors - our members range from 4 years to 87 years;
• a great place for our new residents to make friends within our community;
• a well maintained and accessible volunteer-run club with 5 courts in the heart of Mitcham. 

We strongly believe that with the right support and community backing, Mitcham Tennis Club can continue to flourish. In appealing to local authorities and stakeholders, we propose strategies such as increased funding, community partnerships, and continuing good resource allocation to ensure the club remains sustainable for future generations. 

We co-exist successfully with other sporting clubs at Walker Park and collectively our clubs provide a range of sports and activities for a broad section of the public.

Saving Mitcham Tennis Club is not just about protecting a sports facility; it's about preserving a key piece of our community's history and ensuring that the joys of tennis remain accessible to everyone in the future. Join us in this important effort by signing this petition before 26th March, 2026, and let’s make sure Mitcham Tennis Club thrives for another 90 years and beyond. 

Every signature counts to show the importance of this cherished community hub.

How you can help:

• Sign this petition by no later than 26th March 2026, to help us spread our message;
• Read the draft recommendation relating to the potential loss of the Mitcham Tennis Club at the club’s website at the link here The Future of Mitcham Tennis Club 
• You can provide feedback to the Whitehorse Council Community Consultation on the Walker Park Redevelopment Plan at the following ‘your say’ link up until 29th March 2026. Please complete the NEW UPDATED survey to show your support for our club.  Whitehorse Yoursay: Walker Park Round 2 The survey has been updated by Whitehorse Council – we ask you to please complete this NEW survey, regardless of whether you completed the previous version.