General News
9 July, 2025
Spotlight on Ararat tennis
ARARAT City Tennis Club is about to get a major makeover with funding from the State Government and Ararat Rural City Council.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett visited club members on Wednesday night to deliver news that an application for funding under Round 2 of the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund has been successful.
Ms Haylett said a total of $610,000 has been secured for the club to upgrade court lighting, car parking facilities and the court booking system as well as a participation program.
$560,000 will come from the Victorian Government with other contributions from council and the club.
Ms Haylett said she was pleased to deliver such a positive announcement for the club.
“I wanted to be here personally tonight because I’ve got some special news and wanted to congratulate your committee for all of the work they have done.
“I know the club has been trying for many years for this funding and I can announce tonight that we have got you $610,000.
“Tennis players in Ararat will benefit from better facilities soon, making sure more locals can enjoy all that the game has to offer.”
“It’s a huge thing for this club and I would like to thank Phuong Au from Ararat Council for all of your hard work getting this application across the line,” Ms Haylett said.
Ararat City Tennis Club is one of 41 organisations around the state to successfully apply for funding under Round 2 of the program.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said $24 million has been allocated across the state investing in women and girls’ change rooms, sports courts and fields and more.
“These projects will be a game changer for regional communities, giving them modern facilities they can be proud of,” she said.
Ms Spence said local economies are also winners, with more than 1,170 direct full-time jobs supported in the delivery of more than $538 million worth of community sport and active recreation infrastructure across Victoria.
Club President Mick Verdon said it was a brilliant result for the club and future members.
“All of that work is needed, our fences are falling down, balls go under the nets, over the nets.
“We’re really happy with this announcement,” Mr Verdon said.
Mayor Jo Armstrong said council was delighted to partner with the government on such a worthy project.
“Looking around the room, I know many of you and you come from so many different smaller communities but you all come in here to play together.
“An element of the grant funding is going towards developing participation which is so important.
“It’s not just about the infrastructure to be able to allow you to play more often into the evening but really increase the frequency and level of participation across boys and girls, men and women to come together and really enjoy each others company and enjoy what is a really fun game,” Cr Armstrong said.
Read More: Ararat