Photo caption: Another funding ‘ace’ for the Uralla Tennis Club to upgrade facilities, committee members Nicole Williams, left, President Jodie Shanahan, Northern Tablelands MP Adam, Dan Wiley and James Toomey.
Monday, 28 March 2022
A $58,598 State Government grant will propel Uralla Tennis Club on the path to success, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announcing the funds to upgrade court lighting and refurbish its clubhouse.
Mr Marshall visited the club last week, where a new social competition has started following the resurfacing of two dilapidated courts, also funded by a $198,582 grant.
“Uralla Tennis Club is on the comeback trail, aided by the upgraded courts and a passionate committee,” Mr Marshall said.
“Since the new courts went down in 2020, tennis in Uralla has undergone a revival, with a number of new players dusting off their rackets.
“To capitalise on interest in both the junior and senior ranks, the club is moving onto the next phase of its planned facility upgrade, replacing the bulbs in the existing 16 light poles, with energy-efficient LED lights.
“Better lighting will give the club flexibility to further expand its weekly night play, creating more opportunities for locals, who work through the day, to have hit.
“Another exciting project is the refurbishment of the clubhouse, in order to make it a multi-use venue for competition and program management, meetings, and social events.
“The 40-year-old brick building’s external facade will be rendered and vinyl floor coverings will be laid over the internal concrete floor.
“Blinds will be hung on the large windows and wall panel heaters will be installed, making the building warmer and more comfortable during the colder months.
“I congratulate the club’s committee on the work done getting the facility back on its feet after a period of disuse, and for providing the community with such high quality sport facilities.”
Uralla Tennis Club President Jodi Shanahan said the latest improvements would make the courts more able to cater for the needs of the community.
“Currently the one thing Uralla lacks is sport facilities for women,” Mrs Shanahan said.
“Since kicking off our Tuesday Fast4 competition and Thursday social evening, we have been blown away by the community support and it’s obvious working locals are screaming out for opportunities to play sport after hours.
“Our existing facilities are outdated and we feel by freshening up the space more people, women in particular, will be encouraged to get involved in competitions, help with junior coaching or join in our social events.
“For sporting clubs to survive they have to be adaptable. The new lights will lower our power bills and we hope modernising the clubhouse will result in it being hired by community groups, giving us additional revenue to spend on upkeep.
“We are really excited about what the future holds for our little club and thank Adam and the State Government for their support in helping us grow.”