Around 60 local juniors will officially christen the new courts at the Maryborough Tennis Centre this weekend, taking to the surface for their weekly junior sectional competition and Hot Shots program.
The five new synthetic courts replace the centre's middle bank of grass courts and include upgraded lighting, delivering a modern facility for the next generation of players.
This $523,000 project is jointly funded, thanks to $400,000 from the Victorian Government, $71,700 from Council, a $20,000 contribution from the Maryborough Tennis Centre, and a $31,300 National Court Rebate via Tennis Australia.
The courts were constructed by Council's Operations team and Tuff Group, with fencing by RNCO.CO and lighting by RJC Electrical Solutions Pty Ltd.
Central Goldfields Shire Council Mayor Cr Ben Green said it would be incredibly rewarding to see the new courts come to life this weekend, with the next generation of local tennis stars among the first to use them.
"Congratulations to the Maryborough Tennis Centre for advocating so strongly for this project over many years. We thank them for their tireless efforts and are proud to have partnered with them to deliver this important infrastructure upgrade.
"We also acknowledge and thank our funding partners – Member for Ripon Martha Haylett and the Victorian Government, Tennis Australia and the Maryborough Tennis Centre.
"We look forward to seeing these new facilities enjoyed by players of all ages for many years to come."
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the Maryborough Tennis Centre supports players from across our region, including tennis lovers from Avoca, Talbot, Dunolly, and beyond.
"These brand-new tennis courts will benefit hundreds of players and will get more kids involved in the game.
"The State Labor Government has now finished sports facility upgrades for local cricket and tennis players in Maryborough, with a new netball court and lighting under construction for the Maryborough Giants too. I'm proud to have helped deliver these upgrades to give our community the modern, safe facilities they deserve.
Maryborough Tennis Centre President Heather Carr said the project had been part of a 10-year advocacy process by the club and committee.
"The new courts will reduce greenkeeper costs, maintenance of grass courts and lawn mowers plus water savings to have safe, sustainable courts for the future. The new light towers will allow play during the whole year and will mean tennis coaching programs can extend after daylight.
"For the past 15 years the grass courts have been eroded with Corella damage with most courts being closed during peak season across that time. Prior to that, drought conditions and water restrictions meant the courts could not be watered.
"The project will have widespread benefits. The tennis competitions, coaching programs and social play opportunities offered by the Maryborough Tennis Centre support the whole of Central Goldfields Shire and surrounding towns.
"The Tennis Centre is also used by three local schools for their PE programs and junior school tournaments during the year. There is also high usage for the casual player and local families who utilise the venue for physical fitness and wellbeing.
"The new facilities will allow the club to re-introduce junior and senior tournaments in partnership with Tennis Victoria, as well as night-time tennis competitions, coaching and casual play throughout the year. The venue is also popular for clubhouse hire by community groups and family events that utilise tennis play.
"The club's volunteers and members are excited the courts are complete and can't wait to see the juniors experience them for the first time on the weekend."
