For over a century, the Longreach Tennis Club in western Queensland has been a melting pot of local families, travelers, and tennis enthusiasts alike. Like a kingdom with royal bloodlines and far-flung challengers, this outback club has a rich history that spans generations, keeping the spirit of the game alive. Among the familiar faces is 72-year-old Brian Savage, a lifelong member whose family name is etched in the club’s championship plaque as early as 1950.
Growing up on the red, dusty courts of Longreach, Mr. Savage reminisces about the days when tennis was not just a game, but a way of life. With no television to distract them, his parents were formidable opponents on the court, setting a high bar for their son. While Mr. Savage took on the role of club president in the 1980s, it wasn’t until 2000 that he entered the professional circuit, competing in seniors’ tournaments across Australia. Even today, players half his age struggle to best him in a singles match, a testament to his enduring skill and passion for the sport.
The Longreach Tennis Club officially opened its doors in August 1900, marked by a lavish inauguration ball that lasted well into the night. Charging a mere shilling per set, equivalent to 10 cents today, the club’s humble beginnings were rooted in community spirit and a shared love for tennis. For the first six decades, the courts were made from ant beds, hauled in from nearby cattle properties to create a playing surface that could withstand the outback elements.
Elaine Britton, the club’s resident historian at 85 years old, holds a treasure trove of stories from the club’s past. She recalls how tennis served as a unifying force in isolated outback towns, fostering camaraderie in an era devoid of modern technology. Despite the competitive nature of the game, matches were spirited yet friendly, bringing communities together in a shared love for tennis.
One striking aspect of the club’s history was the early integration of women and men on the courts. While they played together, social norms of the time dictated separate seating arrangements off the court until the 1960s. Men were granted the liberty of wearing shorts while playing, while women were confined to long skirts and petticoats. Ms. Britton’s anecdotes paint a vivid picture of the club’s evolution, highlighting the subtle yet significant changes that have shaped its culture over the years.
Despite the passage of time, some traditions have endured at the Longreach Tennis Club. Chivalry remains a cornerstone of country tennis, with older male players displaying gentlemanly gestures on and off the court. From letting the ladies serve first in mixed doubles to upholding the spirit of fair play, these values continue to define the club’s ethos, fostering a sense of camaraderie among players of all ages and backgrounds.
The harsh outback climate presents its own set of challenges for tennis enthusiasts in Longreach. Enduring scorching summer temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, players persevere through the heat to keep their passion for the game alive. Mr. Savage recalls a peculiar incident in the 1960s when a member attempted to dry a rain-soaked court by setting it on fire with diesel—a humorous yet futile endeavor that speaks to the club’s resilience in the face of adversity.
As the Longreach Tennis Club celebrates its 125th anniversary, a new chapter unfolds with the Central West Tennis Academy, spearheaded by former pro player Max Flaherty. With Tennis Queensland’s support, the academy aims to reignite the love for tennis among the younger generation, keeping the legacy of the club alive for years to come. In a world that’s constantly evolving, the timeless appeal of country tennis endures, bridging generations, fostering friendships, and preserving the spirit of the game.
The world has changed in the 125 years the Longreach Tennis Club has operated, but the passion for the game has not. Today, there’s a renewed push to teach the younger generation the love of the game. Temperatures in Longreach soared into the mid-40s on Friday. (ABC News: Grace Nakamura) Maxwell Flaherty has started up the Central West Tennis Academy at Longreach this year with the backing of Tennis Queensland. “Word spreads quickly around here,” he said. “Tennis Queensland have never been this far [west] so they were really excited by this opportunity because they know the tennis community out here was quite popular back in the day. Former pro tennis player Max Flaherty has started up the Central West Tennis Academy in Longreach. (ABC Western Qld: Grace Nakamura) “Everyone just loves hitting that little fluffy ball over the net and enjoying the social aspect.”