Animals banned from Beenleigh tennis centre

A macaw at the Beenleigh Tennis Centre has become the focus of a growing community response, after management was told animals were no longer allowed on site.

For the past six years, centre manager AJ Lindner-Thompson has brought her pet macaw, Destiny, along with four small dogs, two toy poodles and two toy cavoodles, to work.

All five animals have played a role in helping visitors settle, connect and feel at ease, she said.

But earlier this week, Ms Lindner-Thompson said the centre received notice from Club Beenleigh management, which runs the premises, that animals were no longer permitted at the venue.

She said the directive came as a surprise, given animals had been present without issue for years, and Club Beenleigh did not provide a reason for the change of heart.

“There’s never been a day without a macaw here since we’ve been in management,” Ms Lindner-Thompson said.

“We bring her to work every single day, and we take her home every night. It’s just part of our routine.”

Destiny is also an emotional support animal for Ms Lindner-Thompson’s family, which includes four autistic children.

“Destiny’s way more than just an animal,” she said.

Ms Lindner-Thompson said the animals help regulate emotions and provide calm during overwhelming moments.

“For some people, especially when they’re overwhelmed, they’ll ask if they can spend time with the dogs, and of course, we say yes.

“It might sound small, but that time with the dogs can make a real difference.”

Visitors, including children, parents and patrons of the adjoining sports club, often stop by just to see Destiny.

Ms Lindner-Thompson said the centre has become a safe, welcoming place, particularly for people with disability and those who are neurodivergent.

Ms Lindner-Thompson said Destiny would be deeply affected by the change.

“Destiny needs that interaction,” she said. “She’s used to being around people all day, talking and engaging with them.”

“If she’s kept at home without that stimulation, it can affect her; she can get distressed and start to harm herself.”

Since sharing the news online, Ms Lindner-Thompson said the response had been immediate and emotional.

Community members have flooded social media with support, while one regular visitor even wrote a song about Destiny.

Despite the reaction, uncertainty remains.

“We’re just going to go day by day at the moment,” she said. “I hope it gets resolved, but my fear is it’s about to get a lot worse.”

MyCity Logan contacted Club Beenleigh manager Tim Epstein for comment, but did not receive a response in time for publication.