Ellinbank Badminton Club inducted four new life members at the club's recent 75th anniversary reunion and celebration.
Club life member Gary Mortlock spoke about each member and their service to the club and life member Barrie Gilbert presented each recipient with a plaque.
Ken Young began playing juniors at Ellinbank in 1977 and moved to seniors in 1981. He was president of the club in 1990 and is the current president, a position he has held since 2012.
Ken also is the current association Mid Gippsland Badminton Association treasurer. He has been instrumental in applying for numerous grants the club has received from local, state and federal governments as well as private enterprise. He has laboured tirelessly co-ordinating and renovating the pavilion to enable it to be the great facility it is today.
Louise Young began playing juniors at the club in 1977 and with the seniors in 1981. She was secretary of the club in 1983-1984 and president between 1986-1988. Louise has held the position of junior co-ordinator/coach of Ellinbank Badminton Club since 2007 and has seen hundreds of children develop the love of the sport as well as conducting badminton clinics at local primary schools.
She has been involved in the MGBA in the capacity of secretary and president over many years. Louise has provided countless hours on the renovations of the pavilion specialising in the painting of the clubrooms.
Jane Walker started playing for the club in 1985 and is the unofficial recruiting officer. Always enjoying the social aspect of the club, Jane was elected social secretary in 1998, which she has held for the past 25 years. The members have enjoyed countless social functions which Jane has organised, and which usually end at the Walker household.
Lorraine Webb began playing at Ellinbank Badminton club in 1987 after transferring from Trafalgar East. She was the social secretary from 1993 until 1996 and junior co-ordinator between 2002-2006. Lorraine has been treasurer for the past 13 years.
Ken, Louise, Jane and Lorraine have all won numerous premierships and tournaments throughout their long association with the club and were considered worthy recipients of life memberships.