6 May 2013 | Tennis Queensland

Australia’s next Grand Slam winner may soon be stepping out onto a Queensland tennis court thanks to an exciting community development program funded by Heritage Bank and Tennis Queensland.

A record 18 clubs have been announced to receive funds in this year’s Heritage Bank Community Tennis Grants Program, the following clubs from the South region have been successful:

Gatton Tennis Association Inc.

Goondiwindi & District Tennis Association Inc.

Warwick and District Tennis Association

The program is designed to assist these clubs to create more welcoming facilities, improving the experience for players and families and ultimately growing the sport in their community. After four years of partnership, Tennis Queensland has raised $80,000 through Heritage Bank for these club initiatives.

CEO of Heritage Bank, Mr John Minz said the community grants program was a perfect way to make a positive contribution to the community.

“We’re delighted that we have been able to help tennis improve the facilities they provide to club members,” he said.

“At Heritage, we are all about supporting and developing our communities.

“Tennis is a fantastic sport that can be played by people of all ages and walks of life. It’s also a very social sport that is a cornerstone of many local communities.

“Heritage is excited to be able to support grass-roots clubs right around Queensland by funding a program that helps them improve and upgrade the facilities that they need most.”

Thanks to the support of Heritage Bank we now have new hitting walls, shade sails, bench seating and refurbished clubhouses at these venues. Over the coming months we will see these clubs become more welcoming to the public, giving each a better foundation to attract new members and encourage current members to spend more time engaged in sport.