The Table Tennis Victoria Centenary Gala Dinner was held on July 4th at Greenfields Albert Park with 160 people from our community in attendance for an incredible evening. 

The evening began with an extraordinary poem from our MC Melissa Tapper (seen below), reflecting on an incredible history of TTV and recognising a few important faces in the room. 

We then heard from Natalie Phillips, Executive Director, Community Sport who shared her thoughts about the incredible milestone along with our CEO Gen Dohrmann who acknowledged the importance of the celebration. 

Following these discussions Bob Tuckett took to the microphone to share the story of how A Smashing Success was created over the past 6 years and acknowledged the incredible TTV History group for their efforts in pulling it together.  

Click here to purchase a copy of A Smashing Success if you haven't already got one!

Finally following the main meals we hear from an incredible Past, Present & Future panel composed of Steve Knapp, Kerri Tepper, Lina Lei & Louisa Fung. 

We would like to thank everyone who attended the evening, as everyone from our community has played a part in the past 100 years of TTV history. 

One hundred years poem – Melissa Tapper 

One hundred years — now that’s a feat! 

With bats and balls and dancing feet. 

From humble halls to global fame, 

Victoria's led the table game! 

Shirley Zhou, with grace so rare, 

Did things at 15 most wouldn’t dare! 

Kerri Tepper — a wall, a rock,

Strong and fierce, with a solid block 

Steve Knapp’s style? A walking flame, 

His flair as famous as his game. 

Dennis Makaling — “the boy,” they say, 
A lover, not fighter, back in the day. 
Dated Miss Philippines (so we’re told?), 
And his backhand? Pure gold  

Simon Gerada, a blur and a flash, 

Coached and played like a Vegas cash splash. 

Suzy Javor? Records galore — 

She set the bar before keeping score. 

Before the books were even made, 
Suzy blazed the path we played. 

Lina Lei — cool and clean, 
Paralympic champ, composure queen! 

Nick and Finn, our future stars, 

Rising fast like turbo cars. 

They stand tall on shoulders wide, 

And now it’s their turn to lead the ride. 

 The coaches? Icons in their own right: 

Alois Rosario — The Paralympic might! 

Karol Javor — a record’s best friend, 
Where milestones and medals never end. 

And Mr. Chow — a quiet storm, 
Innovator, champ, above the norm. 

 And hats off to the kindest hearts, 
Whose love for the sport played vital parts: 

Damian Taranto — what a mate, 
With smiles, support, and banana plate! 

Bob Grattidge, the volunteer king, 

With class and tales of everything. 

And don't forget the ones in grey, 
Who keep the rules and guide the play: 

Marie Pinkewich — sharp and fair, 
With eagle eyes and steady stare. 

Ruth Singer and co — what a crew, 

Legends like Joan, Fran, and Lois too. 

And dear Angelo — our sleepy knight, 

A bad joke? He'll deliver it right. 

He'd nap mid-final, truth be told… 

But never missed a moment of gold. 

Like Ange, we honour all the names, 
Who brought their spirit to the games. 

Though not in seats, they’re standing near, 
Their laughter echoing loud and clear. 

To every smash, each netted miss — 
Thanks for being part of this!