The Myall Lakes will benefit from $60,000 in community funding to light Blackhead Tennis Club under the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Infrastructure Grants program.
Nationals Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead, said the funding will help make the sport accessible to more people.
“Installing lighting at Blackhead Tennis courts will be a game changer” Mr Bromhead said.
“The tennis club is growing with more and more people engaging in tennis, so this will enable that trend to continue.
“There’s currently no lighting at the courts, but now thanks to this funding another barrier is removed for people hoping to take to the courts and hit an ace.”
Blackhead Tennis Club has welcomed the funding and hopes it will encourage more people to pick up a racquet and play at their local court.
“We are hoping to start evening competitions and expand the usage of the club to a wider demographic once the lights are installed,” said Blackhead Tennis Club Vice President Elizabeth Bridges.
“In the winter in particular, the courts are dark by the time children get home from school and adults get home from work making it difficult for people to play during the week. The new lights will change that.”
Infrastructure Grants are an important part of boosting the economy and rebuilding struggling communities that are still feeling the impact of COVID-19.
“This year $12.5 million is available in funding to support projects which will promote the construction or upgrade of facilities across the State in sport and recreation, arts and culture, disaster readiness and community infrastructure,” Mr Bromhead said.
“Some communities struggled to maintain sports, cultural and other social activities during COVID-19, so the funding can back projects that are beneficial for communities.”
Infrastructure Grants are made possible through the NSW Government’s ClubGrants Category 3 Fund, which reinvests a contribution from the state’s registered clubs gaming machine profits back into community projects.
Since 2013, the NSW Government has funded over 536 community projects worth $105 million under the Infrastructure Grants program.
To find out more or to apply, visit responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au
