The Ballarat Regional Tennis Centre is set for a major transformation, thanks to a $1,020,932 funding boost from the second round of the Andrews Labor Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today announced the project was one of 42 initiatives that secured funds in the second round of the program.

The project involves the delivery of both lighting and court upgrades at the Ballarat Regional Tennis Centre.

Six new ‘Hot Shot’ courts will be constructed. These modified courts which, are designed for children aged 4-11 years, let children develop technically and tactically in an environment that is fun and exciting. As well as utilising specifically designed courts, the Hot Shots program uses modified racquets and balls tailored to children’s development and is based on a “learning through play” philosophy where children serve, rally and score, and acquire and develop all fundamental skills required for a game of tennis.

Existing court lighting will be upgraded to new LED lighting infrastructure and fittings to meet Australian standards for club competitions.

The upgraded facility will provide a perfect base for Ballarat Regional Tennis to develop programs, train, host competitions and events.

The project is expected to create new full-time jobs during the planning and design phase, and additional jobs when construction commences.

By working with local government authorities and sporting clubs and organisations, investment from the second round of the program is expected to create 600 local jobs and drive local economic activity worth more than $180 million.

A total of 70 projects have benefitted from a share of $178 million from the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program, part of the Government’s $1.05 billion investment in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014.

For more information about the program and details on projects, go to sport.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison 

“Congratulations to the Ballarat Regional Tennis Centre on receiving funding from the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program. This significant project which will encourage more people, particularly emerging players, to take up tennis.”

“The funding is great news for not only Ballarat tennis, but the Ballarat community as this project will inject over $1 million into the local economy.”

“With this investment in the Hot Shot Courts, the next Ash Barty might just come from Ballarat!”

Quotes attributable to Mayor of City of Ballarat Cr Daniel Moloney

“The new courts and infrastructure will make it easier for the Ballarat Regional Tennis Centre to increase local participation rates in tennis and to attract more tournaments to the city, with the economic benefits that brings.”

“COVID-19 has impacted levels of participation in organised sport in Ballarat, and major facilities upgrades like this help our community sports organisations to attract and retain Ballarat participants.”

Quotes attributable to Ballarat Regional Tennis Centre President Chris Alcock

“The club has grown significantly over the last few years through the expansion of the Hot Shot program and other junior and senior competitions and social tennis. This critical investment will ensure that Ballarat Regional Tennis Centre is the hub for tennis in Western Victoria.”