10 February, 2018

A game set and match changing $2.35 million redevelopment will transform Sale Tennis Club into one of the top sporting facilities in regional Victoria.

The Victorian Government has signed off on a $1 million funding agreement to support Wellington Shire ($650,000), Tennis Victoria ($150,000) and STC ($550,000) completing major upgrades to the centre. Works will involve reconstructing two existing, and constructing two new, red porous courts which will meet official requirements for  International Tennis Federation tournaments, and upgrading eight courts for club-level competitions.

Seating, shared pathways to connect facilities, court lighting for evening games and the clubhouse will also be improved, allowing the centre to attract higher grade tournaments and improve amenity for the local community.

The works will complement the club’s two existing international standard show courts.

The Sale Tennis Centre is a key community asset for the broader Gippsland area and was identified for support under the Victorian Government’s $85 million Latrobe Valley Sports and Community Initiative (LVSCI).

The redevelopment is due for completion by the end of 2018 and is one of seven major infrastructure projects being funded by the LVSCI.

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Region Harriet Shing:

This investment is about far more than funding for tennis courts – it’s a vote of confidence in Gippsland’s next generation of tennis champions and supporters, and another important boost to local jobs and pride of place.”

“We’re giving the Sale Tennis Club the facilities that central Gippsland needs to attract new competition, visitors, teams and spectators, and we’re also providing locals with even more reasons to get healthy, get involved and love where they live.” 
  
Quote attributable to Wellington Shire Deputy Mayor Ian Bye:

“Wellington Shire Council is pleased the Latrobe Valley Authority has recognised the Sale Tennis Club as an important facility to the local community and has confirmed its support to assist with funding the redevelopment.”

“Refurbishment of the current facilities will enable the Sale Tennis Club to host senior level training and competitions by Tennis Victoria, local associations and clubs.”

“This will add to the facility’s ability to attract higher levels of activity and will also attract more visitors to our beautiful region.”

Quote attributable to Latrobe Valley Authority CEO Karen Cain:

“The Sale Tennis Club has long been earmarked for significant upgrade; our contribution will help it take pride of place as one of Gippsland’s pre-eminent sporting facilities, contributing to our shared visitor economy and local liveability.”

“These works will complement LVA’s $400,000 upgrade to the Traralgon Tennis Association and create the possibility of major event sharing between the centres.”.

Quote attributable to Sale Tennis Centre President Robin Lowe:

“This redevelopment will make Sale Tennis Club a major player on the state and national tennis circuit, and put us in a position to bring more high quality tennis to the region more often.”

“This is an exciting project for our sport and district, and we’re grateful for the support of the State Government and Wellington Shire in making this a reality.”