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Sexual abuse

Tennis Coach Allegedly Groomed and Sexually Harassed Child, Committed Misconduct for Two Years

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Brenton Dumbrell, a 37-year-old tennis coach and owner of Inspire Tennis, was allegedly able to continue coaching for two years after complaints were made to Tennis Australia regarding his grooming and sexual harassment of a child and misconduct against a staff member. The allegations, which date back to 2016, were first reported to Tennis Australia in 2023 and resulted in an independent tribunal being convened. Dumbrell's Working With Children Check (WWCC) has been under review since the allegations were first reported, and he has been suspended from coaching activities until October 2027. If he completes counseling, child safeguarding, and sexual harassment training, and has his WWCC reinstated, his ban will be extended from two to four years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Brenton Dumbrell, a 37-year-old tennis coach and owner of Inspire Tennis, allegedly groomed and sexually harassed a child, and committed misconduct against a staff member, for two years after complaints were made to Tennis Australia in 2023.
  • The allegations date back to 2016, and resulted in an independent tribunal being convened, which began hearings in December 2024 and reached a decision in August 2025.
  • Dumbrell's WWCC has been under review since the allegations were first reported, and he has been suspended from coaching activities until October 2027.
  • If he completes counseling, child safeguarding, and sexual harassment training, and has his WWCC reinstated, his ban will be extended from two to four years.
  • Inspire Tennis is owned by Twinley Group, of which Dumbrell is the director and secretary, and operates coaching programs for toddlers and up.
  • The club is currently facing allegations involving two staff members, including a second coach, Liam Shearer-Hawkins, who is also under investigation.
  • A notice from Tennis Australia alleged that Dumbrell committed "numerous and significant breaches" of the organisation's national policies between 2016 and 2023.

Statistics:

  • 2 years: The duration of time that Brenton Dumbrell allegedly continued to coach after complaints were made to Tennis Australia.
  • 2016: The year that allegations of grooming and sexual harassment were first made against Dumbrell.
  • 2023: The year that Dumbrell's WWCC was under review and he was first reported to Tennis Australia.
  • 2024: The year that the independent tribunal began hearings and a new board was appointed at Inspire Tennis.
  • 37 years old: The age of Brenton Dumbrell, the accused tennis coach.
  • 2 years: The duration of time that Dumbrell's ban will be extended if he completes counseling, child safeguarding, and sexual harassment training, and has his WWCC reinstated.

Sources:

  • "Tennis Australia says it takes all complaints seriously and has robust child safety measures in place, including mandatory Working With Children Checks, safeguarding training, and a dedicated integrity and compliance team." (Source: Tennis Australia spokesperson)
  • "Brenton Dumbrell, 37, the owner of Inspire Tennis, has been suspended from coaching activities until October 2027 after an independent tribunal found him guilty of 'numerous and significant breaches' of the organisation's national policies." (Source: The Sydney Morning Herald)
  • "Inspire Tennis is owned by Twinley Group, of which Dumbrell is the director and secretary, and operates coaching programs for toddlers and up." (Source: The Sydney Morning Herald)
  • "Liam Shearer-Hawkins, a second Inspire Tennis coach, is also under investigation after his WWCC was temporarily barred by the Office of the Children's Guardian." (Source: The Sydney Morning Herald)

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