Past and present unite for reunion

The Ellinbank Badminton Club celebrated its 75th anniversary recently with a reunion, official opening of the club's new kitchenette and viewing area and the induction of four life members.
About 90 past and present members, some travelling from as far as NSW and Melbourne, community friends and dignitaries enjoyed the celebrations with many reminiscing about their days on and off the badminton court.
But one of the major talking points was the badminton pavilion upgrades, funded by Baw Baw Shire's community grants program, making it a possible Commonwealth Games badminton facility.
The original pavilion was built on land donated to the club and after many years of fundraising by members an old, dismantled army barracks was bought in Melbourne and transported to the site in Community Place, Ellinbank.
Members overcame many hurdles and worked tirelessly to reconstruct the building without plans, and in 1975 the building was completed.
Over the years many renovations have been completed and recently the club was fortunate to obtain grants from Baw Baw Shire as well as the federal and state government.
Ken Young, Louise Young, Lorraine Webb and Jane Walker were inducted as life members of the club in recognition of their many years of service.
Gary Mortlock presented a detailed history of the club's 75 years which began as a social club in 1946.
Everyone enjoyed the photos and memorabilia on display and a cake was cut by past members Nancie Webb, Ken Kelly and current president Ken Young.