The official opening of the redeveloped Jim Elphick Tennis Centre at Bolton Park signifies a transformative era for regional tennis. The state-of-the-art facility establishes Wagga Wagga as a top-tier destination for tennis and sporting events, catering to all levels from grassroots to elite competition.
On Thursday 10 April, the new Jim Elphick Tennis Centre was officially opened by Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr MP, representing NSW Minister for Sport, The Hon Stephen Kamper MP.
The launch celebrated community spirit and sporting heritage, with special appearances from tennis greats, Tony Roche AO MBE and Casey Dellacqua, as well as Tennis NSW President, Melissa Achten and Tennis NSW CEO, Darren Simpson alongside Tennis Australia’s Director of Pathways & Tennis Services, Lawrence Robertson. Also in attendance were family members of both the late Jim Elphick – fondly known as Wagga’s ‘Mr Tennis’ – and of the late Joe Schipp, former Member for Wagga Wagga and passionate supporter of local tennis, with a centre court named in his honour.
The revamped centre features eight International Tennis Federation (ITF) standard cushioned acrylic hard courts, two cushioned warm-up courts, and five synthetic grass courts. It also includes a dedicated netball court, a multi-use court, and a modern clubhouse offering premium facilities and sweeping views of the tennis precinct and Robertson Oval. These enhancements will provide regional players of all abilities with greater opportunities, while also establishing clear pathways from grassroots participation to elite competitive play.
Tennis NSW President, Melissa Achten, praised the redevelopment by stating, “It is incredibly satisfying to see the vision for this regional tennis hub come to fruition, which has only been possible because of outstanding partnerships between Council, Tennis NSW, the NSW Government and the local tennis community. The Jim Elphick Tennis Centre will be one of the few venues within NSW capable of hosting ITF-level events and will provide young talent the opportunity to develop their skills on a grand slam surface. Upgrades such as these provide more opportunities for our regional players, support the growth of tennis and ensures our sport is more accessible for players of all abilities.”
The first high-profile tournament has already been confirmed for the centre, with Tennis Australia announcing that Wagga Wagga will host its inaugural Australian Pro Tour event on the new courts from 8 – 21 September 2025. With a two-week duration, the event will consist of back-to-back women’s ITF World Tennis Tour tournaments as part of the Australian Pro Tour.
“Hosting international tennis in communities such as Wagga Wagga is so much more than prize money and ranking points for both Australian and international players. These events will deliver over $1m in economic benefit to the City of Wagga Wagga whilst providing a focal point for tennis community and a platform to promote our sport and get more people playing tennis more often.” Tennis Australia’s Lawrence Robertson said.
The $9.15 million Jim Elphick Tennis Centre project was made possible through a collaborative funding effort, with the NSW Government contributing $5 million through the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund, Wagga Wagga City Council investing $2.9 million, and Tennis NSW providing $1.25 million through the ATP Cup Legacy Fund.
The ATP Cup Legacy Fund, a collaboration between Tennis NSW, Tennis Australia, and the NSW Government, spanned from 2020 to 2023, resulting in projects valued at nearly $33 million across the fund’s duration. The initiative supported 41 infrastructure projects, ranging from major developments to small and medium sized facility upgrades. Tennis NSW directly invested over $3 million into this four-year program, significantly enhancing tennis facilities and participation in the regions.
Tennis NSW is continuing to directly invest into infrastructure through the Facility Enhancement Fund and supporting stakeholders to get Project and Investment Ready. For more information about funding opportunities, please visit our website here.
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