NSW Nationals: South Grafton locals love tennis court upgrade

Tennis enthusiasts in South Grafton can look forward to an enhanced playing experience at the Braylesford Park, South Grafton High School facility, with the NSW Nationals in the state government providing $53,790 to help resurface the courts with synthetic grass.

Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis said the funding is the result of a successful application by the South Grafton High School P & C under the ClubGrants program which reinvests proceeds from poker machine taxes back into local community facilities.

“The courts are heavily used and currently in poor condition, and I’m told Clarence Valley Council will match the funding, so this upgrade will provide a great boost to the sport and encourage more people to get involved in tennis,” Mr Gulaptis said

Synthetic grass is simple and cheap to maintain and can be played on much sooner after wet weather, meaning more opportunities for people to train, play or learn the sport.

The upgrade will also help encourage more students at South Grafton High School to get out on the courts and practise their tennis skills.

Nationals Minister for Hospitality and Racing, Kevin Anderson, said $12.5 million is allocated to the program each year to fund projects to build or upgrade community facilities, giving special consideration to vulnerable communities and areas enduring disasters like floods.

“These grants were designed to support organisations that have a strong connection to their local community, enabling them to grow and continue to provide these valuable services,” Mr Anderson said.

“Since 2015, the NSW Government has funded more than 560 community projects worth more than $85 million under the Infrastructure Grants program.”

Applications for the next round of funding open from October 10, 2022. To find out more or apply, please visit clubgrants.com.au