Funding grant hits a winner for Hervey Bay Tennis

The Hervey Bay & District Tennis Association will serve up an ace with a much-needed upgrade to its carpark thanks to a Stronger Communities Program grant from the Federal Government.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated the Hervey Bay & District Tennis Association which received $16,445 under round three of the popular program.

“The improvements will not only create additional carparks, but make it wheelchair friendly,” Mr Pitt said.

“The association runs many tournaments each year bringing hundreds of of visitors to the Fraser Coast, so it’s an important part in helping to drive the local economy.

“The Stronger Communities Program has been a boost for community groups and organisations like the Hervey Bay & District Tennis Association that would otherwise struggle to fund these types of improvements.”

Hervey Bay & District Tennis Association president Geoff Arnell said the association would like to encourage visitors and residents that are confined to a wheelchair to be able to come and try playing tennis at the centre.

“The centre has recently rebuilt the clubhouse and levelled off pathways for wheelchair access and the carpark is the final piece of the puzzle,” Mr Arnell said.

“The centre is used by a large number of players aged between 60-85 years of age and the current carpark surface needs to be upgraded to make it safer for everyone using the facilities, including families with young children.”

The centre is used by a number of schools with buses and opened to the public 7 days a week 6am – 9pm for court hire as well as professional coaching, junior and senior fixtures and social tennis mornings three days per week.

“Our carpark is vital for the parking of players cars each year for the State Touch Carnival held at the sports complex each year, so there are many benefits to this upgrade,” Mr Arnell said.

The Stronger Communities Program offered eligible community groups grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 for small capital projects. All applications need to commit at least matching funding or in-kind contributions.