2 February 2011 | Tennis Victoria

The Traralgon Tennis Centre courts will receive a major upgrade following an announcement by the Minister for Sport and Recreation, The Hon.Hugh Delahunty MP, to award $400,000 state government funding into the facility.

The announcement was delivered at Traralgon’s ‘Evening with the stars’ during the recent International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior International tournament. The funding will be matched by local government, Tennis Australia and the Traralgon Tennis Association who have worked extremely hard in the competition, fundraising and community areas of tennis.

“Everyone at the Traralgon Tennis Association should be congratulated,” said Simon Thompson, Tennis Victoria’s Infrastructure and Environment Manager.

“The funding is a result of many years of hard work and the ability to be pro-active and strategic in their operations. We must also thank La Trobe City Council and the state government for their support of tennis.”   

The current courts will be upgraded to plexi-cushion to match the surface at Melbourne Park.

The result of the funding and resurfacing will see Traralgon continue to host two prestigious international tennis tournaments such as the Latrobe City/Loy Yang Power International Pro Circuit and the ITF Junior International tournament.

“It was a wonderful announcement not only for the Traralgon Tennis Association but for the whole Gippsland Region,” said Neville Pattle, Traralgon Tennis Association’s President.

“It will enable the club to upgrade facilities which will benefit many people around the region.  It is wonderful that the state and local government have seen the need to support us to upgrade to Plexicushion. This means we can continue to stage ITF events along with the Pro Circuit which allows players to go straight to Melbourne Park and play on the same surface. We are very excited to be moving in such a positive direction.”

The Pro Tour event has previously brought some of the biggest names in tennis to the region including Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt. The event is not only important to players, but to the local economy, sponsors and community.  

The funding has also boosted the Association’s role as a Regional Centre. Traralgon’s status as a regional partner will see Tennis Australia and Tennis Victoria work in partnership to ensure the strong support of tennis is maximised throughout the region.