Photo caption: A ‘bright’ $47,500 funding for new lights at the Armidale Tennis Club, with members Ann Gibbs, left, Charo Brown, Dave Bunn, Steve Glover, President Rob Jackson, Jane McMillan, Di Fullerton, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Pauline Robinson, Ken Pines, Jayne Pines, Brian Shaw, Chris Locke and Subba Yarram.
Tuesday, 24 January 2023
ARMIDALE Tennis Club has been served up another funding ace by the State Government, with a $47,475 NSW Community Building Partnership grant provided to install LED lighting over four of the club’s hardcourts, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced today.
Mr Marshall said the club had received a similar amount last year from the same program to install LED lighting on its four synthetic courts.
“The club will use this additional funding to do the same over its four hardcourt surfaces to provide even more options for members and the public to have a hit at night,” Mr Marshall said.
“The old halogen lights have become dull over time, pose problems for players battling it out in night competitions and are quite costly for the club to run.
“The new lights that were installed last year over the synthetic courts have made a huge difference – before the upgrade there was only one night-time competition, the club now hosts three evening competitions.
“These improvements to the lighting have had a direct and positive impact on the Armidale community by making tennis available to those who don’t have the time to play during the day.
“Membership continues to increase which is the entire aim of these types of grants, getting a community active and improving the quality of a community asset.”
Mr Marshall said the lights were part of the club’s continuing plans to modernise its facilities and he was delighted to be able to help by supporting their application for funds.
Armidale Tennis Club Secretary Ann Gibbs said the light upgrades were continuing to attract new players and increase the type of competition on offer.
“We’ve been able to offer competitions three nights a week now and that has increased our membership,” Mrs Gibbs said.
“We’ve had a tennis coach who has been running squad training for our junior players and having more lights on more courts will make the world of difference to the hours that can be spent coaching and playing fixtures.
“This is huge boost for our club and I would like to thank Adam for his continued support.”