A posh Australian sports club is denying women membership and access to its facilities unless they are married to a male member.
The Sandringham Club occupies a huge block of prime real estate in the bayside suburb, featuring tennis courts, a cricket pitch, bowling facilities, pool tables, bars and more.
But the club also has bad news for women who want to use its facilities: only men can be members.
A local woman found out the hard way that her membership application had been denied and told him news corporation who informed him that membership was restricted to men only.
“They told me, 'If your husband joins, then you can play,'” she said.
“They said then I would have to be there when we played and we wouldn't be allowed on the court without a male presence basically.”
An aerial shot shows the elegant facilities available at Sandringham Club in Melbourne.
Only men can become members of the Sandringham Club, which angers the local women.
The club states that women need to have a husband who is a member in order to enjoy the club's facilities.
'My husband doesn't even play tennis.
“I think it's ridiculous that someone who doesn't even play this sport is allowed to join, just because of their sex, but the person who actually plays it can't join.”
Sandringham Club's website presents a more inclusive image.
The membership page does not mention the genre at all, instead offering full, restricted, country, junior, life and honorary (sic) membership packages.
However, the “About” section clarifies who can become a member.
“Sandringham Club is a private men's sports club with tennis, squash, bowling and billiards facilities,” it reads.
'The Club also offers access to some of Victoria's best golf courses. Members and members' families are welcome at the Club.
“Members will be able to use the sports facilities with their partners and families whenever they are available.”
Another local told News Corp that members of the public living around the sports facilities were largely unaware of the fact that women could not become members.
“I honestly couldn't believe it when I saw it online, on their website, I was so taken aback,” she said.
“I think if the Bayside community at large found out about this, there would be an uproar.”
The hotel's tennis courts are one of the main attractions of Melbourne's bayside club.
There are also indoor facilities, including squash courts and pool tables for members.
The classic old bar is also available only to men, unless the women are with their paid husband.
Surprisingly, the club uses a loophole to circumvent Australian discrimination legislation.
Private clubs in Victoria are permanently exempt from the Equal Opportunities Act, meaning they are not required to justify their discriminatory practices.
Sandringham Club president Dr Ian Irvine defended the club's practices and said they had a community focus.
“Sandringham Club has a long history as a men's-only sports club, established in 1912 with a strong focus on tennis and squash,” he said.
“While this tradition has been a defining characteristic of the club for more than a century, we are committed to evolving to better serve the broader community.”
Dr Irvine said the club had evolved in recent years to make its facilities more accessible.
“For example, women can use the club facilities by reserving sports fields and meeting/function spaces with the manager,” he said.
'In addition, we offer inclusive programs, such as tennis and squash training, for all interested.
“While we remain respectful of our heritage, we recognize the importance of fostering a more inclusive environment and are excited about the opportunities these changes bring for the future of the club and the community it serves.”
Women's Minister Natalie Hutchins said all-male organizations like the Sandringham Club were a “relic of the past” and “of a time when women were confined to the home and excluded from participating fully in society.” .
“In 2025, this is a world that should be left in the past,” he said.
“Victoria is leading the nation in investment and reform for gender equality, because we know that when women have a seat at the table, we see better outcomes for everyone.”