31/01/2025
A big thank you to our wonderful members who supported our club today re the visit of Federal Member MP for Farrar Hon Sussan Ley. If re-elected Coalition commits to major upgrade for Albury’s St Patrick’s Tennis Club
Federal MP Sussan Ley today promised $180,000 towards a much-needed upgrade at Albury’s historic St. Patrick’s Tennis Club, if a Dutton Coalition Government is elected this year.
The works, planned for several years but not fully funded, would include new LED lighting, resurfacing of the centre’s aging synthetic grass courts and fencing repairs.
Ms Ley said Albury’s oldest tennis centre is also the most active between Sydney and Melbourne, hosting around 15,000 players on the ten-court facility every year.
“St. Patrick's was actually the first local club on the border to host night-time tennis back at its original South Albury home in the 1920s - installed I’m told for the princely sum of £130*.
“The East Albury base was established in 1988 and is now clearly in need of a refresh to keep our community active but also help foster the potential in our tennis champions of tomorrow**.
“The Club first approached me around three years ago in a bid to find money for this upgrade, so I am delighted to be able to commit this funding should the Coalition be returned to power.”
St. Patrick’s Tennis Club spokesperson Gary Comins said the funding would be a game changer, with tennis needing to ensure its facilities were up to date to remain an attractive sports and fitness option for the border community.
Club President Phil Shanahan said, “We pride ourselves on providing a safe family-friendly environment, welcoming players of all abilities, with coaching available from Junior Hot Shots right through to Elite Performance programs.”
Among the Coalition’s Top Ten priorities for a return to government is to Grow a stronger Regional Australia. Supporting grass roots organisations like this is one way to ensure we do just that.
£130 in 1920 is equivalent to approx. $15,000 (AU) in today’s terms.
Players to grace the courts at St Pats include Margaret Court, Rex Hartwig, Diane Fromholtz & Sam Groth.
A big thank you to club member Maurice Ahern for his work in submitting the paperwork for this application.
Bring on the Federal election!