About Us

Tennis, in our community, began at Yatte Yattah on a privately owned court. As interest grew, another private court at Burrill Lake also was used and two private courts at Milton were included.

On August 3rd 1955 four clubs, Yatte Yattah, Burrill Lake, Milton and Ulladulla were affiliated and the Milton Ulladulla District Tennis Association (MUDTA) was formed. Participation increased and a search for suitable facilities became a necessity.

In 1969, led by Father Ward, the association became incorporated and, by way of a ratepayers loan (approved by the Shire) purchased the land and constructed two concrete courts in the current Croobyar Road, Milton location.

The Lions Club also offered their two asphalt courts in Green Street Ulladulla (part of the current Ulladulla Bowling Club location).

In the 1970s lighting was added to both locations, which brought rise to night competitions becoming a popular activity. In 1977 a Junior Tennis committee was formed and junior competitions were introduced on Saturdays.

Our little local club was now entertaining around 150 members.
In 1978, The Ulladulla Bowling Club approached the association to purchase its Green Street location to increase their bowling greens. Shoalhaven City Council was approached with a view to creating a Tennis Complex that could meet the needs of a growing Milton Ulladulla community. Various sites were discussed with the present Warden Street, Ulladulla location ultimately being agreed on. With the funds from the sale of the Green Street courts and a loan from Shoalhaven City Council, four plexipave courts were created with the hard earned sweat of many volunteers and contractors, complete with lighting and fencing.

Many a wild night was held and rumoured around a 44 gallon drum fire and makeshift toilets and so, in 1982, in order to keep all the local marriages together, it was decided we needed a clubhouse and some facilities. Once again Shoalhaven city Council aided with a loan and a few working bees later the current building was assembled. The volunteers around the club deserve great accolades in making this occur and amazingly the building is still standing some 35 years later. With prudent management the Association funded the laying of synthetic grass over the plexipave courts with a view to extending the life expectancy of the average tennis player’s legs (and there have been some fine legs run up and down these courts throughout its history).

During the 1980’s, again the demand for tennis increased and by incorporating the Commonwealth R. E. O scheme for labour, a further two courts were added, resulting in a top class six court complex.

In 1995, with yet further demand, the association again approached Shoalhaven City Council for funding and access to build two new courts on the top area of the Swimming Pool Complex. It would be fair to say that the Tennis Association and facilities play a vital and integral role in the community by way of supplying lifestyle, sport and social amenity.

Through its activities and relationship with the Tennis state and federal bodies MUDTA has held and been represented in many tournaments and inter-district challenges for junior, senior and veteran players. Patronage has now increased dramatically, growing to around 500 members and caring for around 900 bookings each week. The introduction of resident coaches throughout its history has promoted and catered for a growing tennis related community and with the current coaching staff managing the Centre we have seen the introduction of supporting four School groups visiting, bringing over 200 students weekly.

The Milton Ulladulla Tennis Association has continued to strengthen and be guided by successive astute management committees who have driven an ever-increasing demand in the district for facilities and social environments. In keeping with this strategy, once again the Association proceeded to undertake the process of another major development project, which in 2006 produced a further four courts and landscaping built at the Ulladulla Tennis Centre. With the assistance of Shoalhaven City Council and federal involvement the Ulladulla Tennis Complex has become a sporting facility equal to any centre available.

Every year sees the club hold popular and highly ranked tournaments including the South Pacific Open Gold AMT and an Annual Seniors Competition as well as several regional junior tournaments. Recent improvements to court surfaces, fencing, landscaping, outdoor seating and shade areas plus clubhouse facilities has elevated the Ulladulla Tennis Centre to a position where we are regularly called on to host regional and state events. Many say it is the best centre on the south coast.

After the past 60 years of development the size of the facility and its participation has grown, but the key principles for our existence has never altered what Milton Ulladulla District Tennis Association stands for – TENNIS for the community, TENNIS for health, TENNIS for life. We invite everyone to come along and enjoy one of the world’s oldest sports, Tennis.