TTV: Tell us about the new wall padding?

CTTC: The main hall playing court walls are brick on 3 sides and there are steel columns located on the fourth side. Having hard surfaces adjoining the playing area poses a safety issue for players. The project to install wall padding to make our centre safer was mostly funded through a grant from the Merri-bek City Council. The wall padding was installed to these hard surfaces in March 2023. The wall padding is a navy-blue colour which has given the centre a face lift.

TTV: How has this aided your programs at Coburg?

CTTC: Since the padding was installed, we have received favourable comments from our players who feel the playing area is now much safer. The centre looking better and being safer helps to attract participants. The centre walls were previously a light green. The darker navy blue wall padding colour helps players sight the white ball against the darker background.

TTV: What programs do you run at Coburg?

CTTC: We run pennant competitions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday nights. There are 3 seasons of pennant on these nights each year. A social session to try out table tennis is also open for members of the public on a Wednesday night. We run a group junior player coaching session on a Thursday night and on a Saturday morning there is a group coaching session for players of all ages and standards. For players over 50 there is a very popular Keenagers group session held on Tuesday and Friday mornings. The courts are also available for hire to members of the public.

TTV: What can participants expect to get out of your programs?

CTTC: Whether a social hit or pennant competition most people really enjoy participating in the programs. Players can expect their skill levels to improve. It is a good social experience to participate with other community members. And as they say "move it or lose it", so players can expect to improve their fitness levels.

TTV: What is your vision for Coburg and your programs moving forward?

CTTC: We plan to maintain and expand current programs. Our centre holds 10 courts and the Merri-bek Council has earmarked our centre for a major refurbishment and building extension in 2026/2027. In the mean while the club plans to do a minor refurbishment of the centre.

TTV: Is there a possibility of new programs being developed?

CTTC: Yes, a new program is proposed. A woman's only social play session on a Friday afternoon is planned to commence either in June or July this year.

TTV: How does a potential participant sign up for the programs?

CTTC: Players may register for Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday night pennant seasons at the club or through our website. All our other sessions are advertised on our website. Just show up, all are welcome.