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Sale Tennis Club awarded funding for major redevelopment to boost local sport and community participation

Danny O'Brien congratulated Sale Tennis Club for securing funding to redevelop facilities, improving courts, lighting and access, boosting participation and creating more inclusive opportunities for local players of all ages.

By news@gippsland - 8th July 2025 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien has congratulated Sale Tennis Club on the successful outcome of its Round 2 application to the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (RCSIF), which will fund a major redevelopment of the club's facilities.

Danny O'Brien congratulated Sale Tennis Club on securing funding to redevelop facilities, enhancing access and participation for all ages

Upgrading local courts

Mr O'Brien said this is a fantastic result for Sale Tennis Club and a great example of a forward-thinking community club investing in the future of local sport. "The upgrades will not only improve the quality of facilities for current members, but will also create exciting new opportunities for participation across all ages and abilities."

The RCSIF funding will support a wide-ranging redevelopment at the club, including:

• Replacement of degraded acrylic hardcourts with high-quality porous artificial grass to improve playability and program delivery
• Installation of modern, energy-efficient LED lighting to Tennis Victoria's "club standard" to extend coaching and playing opportunities into the evenings
• Upgraded fencing, including full-height wind barriers on three sides of the court enclosure, improving comfort and court usability
• Construction of four dedicated Hot Shots courts to drive junior participation and provide inclusive options for athletes with a disability, with the flexibility to support Pickleball and POP Tennis
• New dedicated hitting wall to offer additional practice and recreational options for players

Mr O'Brien praised the club for its initiative and hard work in delivering such a well-rounded and inclusive project and acknowledged the vital role of Wellington Shire Council in supporting the application. "These projects don't happen without dedicated volunteers, a clear vision, and strong support from local government. I commend Sale Tennis Club and thank Wellington Shire Council for helping bring this fantastic upgrade to life."

Get funding ready

Mr O'Brien encouraged other local sporting clubs and community organisations to consider future funding opportunities, with the next round of the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund set to open in the coming months.

"Applications to the Fund must be made through your local government, so I encourage interested clubs to start conversations early. Sale Tennis Club has set a great example - now is the time to plan ahead and get your ideas moving," Mr O'Brien said. More information, as well as a Community Organisation Expression of Interest Form to submit to your local government, can be found at Sport and Recreation Victoria website.

Pictures from Sale Tennis Club Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
  The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation.
• Drouin’s Commercial Place Stage 1 of the $1.1M project set to begin this to boost safety, accessibility and vibrancy
  Stage 1 of the $1.1 million Drouin Commercial Place upgrade begins this week, improving safety, accessibility, footpaths, carparks, and pedestrian areas, with minimal disruption and partial parking available.
• East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays.
• Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values.
• Bass Coast Shire Council adopts 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, showcasing community achievements and future strategic direction
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, celebrating achievements, community progress, and the completion of the 2021 - 2025 Council Plan while setting a new strategic direction for 2025-2029.
• Cape Paterson Traffic Plan adopted to improve safety through community-driven road and pedestrian upgrades
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Cape Paterson Traffic Management Plan, developed with strong community input to improve safety through speed reductions, traffic calming, better intersections, and pedestrian-cyclist connectivity.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• Darren Chester secures $20,000 to preserve Tambo Valley trenches commemorating Victoria's WWII history
  Darren Chester secured $20,000 funding to preserve the historic Tambo Valley Trenches, enhancing access, safety, and interpretation, while honouring East Gippsland's wartime history and boosting cultural tourism along the Great Alpine Road.
• Mayor Rochelle Halstead honoured with MAV 10-year Service Award for her dedication to local government
  Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has received the MAV 10-Year Service Award, recognising her decade of dedicated leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening local government and the Bass Coast community.
• Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
  The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project.
• Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
  The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally.
• East Gippsland opens nominations for 2026 Australia Day Awards recognising outstanding community contributions and achievements
  East Gippsland Shire Council invites nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals, groups, and events for outstanding community contributions in volunteering, sport, arts, environment, and service.