The Ocean Grove Tennis Club is now game, set and match ready for future events thanks to the completion of the new pavilion at the Bellarine tennis hub.
Duty MP for the Bellarine, Gayle Tierney, today joined club and community members at local celebrations to formally open the new facilities, made possible by a $860,000 grant from the Victorian Government.
With 440 club members, the new facility is a great boost for local sport especially with the return of tennis after coronavirus restrictions last year.
It features new female-friendly change room facilities that replace outdated amenities, a new commercial kitchen and kiosk, function space capable of hosting 120 people, and a new hit-up wall for kids. The building also includes accessible design features allowing the club to expand on future all-abilities development programs including wheelchair tennis, as well as new 350 lux LED lighting so the club can host night competitions.
The project also includes installation of Book a Court – an online court booking and payment platform that connects with PIN pad technology on the facility gates – providing easier and greater access to the community.
The Victorian Government has invested more than $1.05 billion in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014. This includes $110 million from the recent budget to boost the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program as well as an extra $27 million to make sure our sports facilities are more accessible to more people.
From new sports pavilions to new courts, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible facilities that allow Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.
They are also about creating jobs, stimulating local economies and fast-tracking community recovery by improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.
To encourage even more participation, sport vouchers of up to $200 are available for eligible kids to help cover the costs of sporting equipment, uniforms and memberships. Approximately 10,000 vouchers have gone out through the first round Get Active Kids Voucher Program with the second round to open 31 May 2021.
The program is a Victorian first and is rolling out 100,000 sport vouchers. To find out more about the Get Active Kids Voucher Program visit getactive.vic.gov.au.
It’s part of the Victorian Government’s strong commitment to sport and active recreation, gender equality and encouraging all Victorians to get out there and get active.
Mrs Tierney acknowledged project partners City of Greater Geelong and the Ocean Grove Tennis Club for their commitment and significant investment to deliver the project.
Quotes attributable to Gayle Tierney MP
I acknowledge Bellarine MP Lisa Neville who I know has worked with the club over many years in securing the funds for this wonderful new tennis facility.
“Ocean Grove Tennis Club is a great club; its members and locals deserve the modern and accessible facilities that this project has delivered.
“I know the tennis community will embrace the new pavilion, welcome more players and take their game to the next level.”
