Sport
15 April, 2025
Grand slam for tennis club
TENNIS at Freshwater has scored an ace after $177,000 worth of facility upgrades were unveiled by Sports and Olympics Minister Tim Mander on Tuesday last week.
Freshwater Tennis Club president Kane Brown said the new perimeter fencing and shaded shelters at each of the four courts were a game changer.
He said the upgrades had made a noticeable difference for members and the broader community.
“This project has been a real game changer for our club. The new fencing and shade structures have created a safer, more enjoyable environment for players and spectators alike,” Mr Brown said.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Queensland Government for their support in helping us grow and improve our facilities for all,” he said.
“Freshwater Tennis Club extends its deepest gratitude to the Queensland Government for its continued support of grassroots sporting communities.”
The fencing and seating project was made possible through the government under the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport’s ‘minor infrastructure grant program’.
The government chipped in $140,000 and the club $37,000.
Mr Brown said the club started in the 1940s with one court at Freshwater State School,
“It got too popular, so we moved here (on public land on the corner of Kamerunga and Lavis roads),” he said.
A second court was added and in the 1980s, due to the growth, more land was acquired from the government to create four more courts.
But Mr Brown said the fences had deteriorated over time and there was a lack of shaded seating for players.
He said the club also built four new state-of-the art courts three years ago and installed new lighting.
A lift to allow disabled people to access the second floor of the clubhouse had been added recently.
Mr Brown said as a result membership had grown to more than 250, including 150 juniors.
He said the club was well placed to increase its membership.
“Last year we were nominated for tennis club of the year ... we certainly punch well above our weight,” Mr Brown said.
Mr Mander said it was important for the government to invest in such facilities to encourage more kids to get active.
He said the government’s $250 million ‘Games On’ program was providing the funds for new and upgraded sporting venues.
Mr Mander said the 2032 Brisbane games were, not just for the south-east, but across the state with Barlow Park to be upgraded for top level football games and the convention centre would be the venue for indoor sports such as basketball and volleyball.
He said tennis would benefit too, with extensions to the Pat Rafter arena in Brisbane, featuring a new show court and 10 additional courts.
“It will be the biggest outside Melbourne,” Mr Mander said.
