Manjimup Tennis Club gets grant to help get facilities off the ground

Manjimup’s tennis scene is ready to bounce into action after State Government funding allowed the club to start construction. The Manjimup Tennis Club recently received a $550,000 grant from the latest round of the Community and Recreation Facilities Fund which allows the club to begin construction on the new facility. The proposed tennis facility will be located next to the Manjimup indoor sport pavilion and will include a new club house and six new hardcourts. Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie visited Manjimup on Thursday to meet with representatives from both the tennis club and the Shire, and examine the site where the upgrades are being proposed. Ms Kelsbie said the new tennis facilities will be a great attraction for the town and allow the sport to grow in Manjimup. “I know how long and how hard this committee has been working to make this vision for a tennis complex in Manjimup a reality,” she said. “This multi-use centre will benefit the whole community, club members will get to play on modern, purpose-built courts and an improved facility will help the club in their efforts to welcome new members.” Club treasurer Jodi Johnston said both she and the club were “ecstatic” with their successful application and were looking forward to the opportunities it presented to the players around the district. “It has been a massive undertaking to get to this point, by a small group of volunteers, and without this funding the project couldn’t have gone forward,” she said. “To grow tennis, you’ve got to start at the grassroots. By having this facility, and having it located in town, means there is great accessibility for local students and the community.” Mrs Johnston said the new tennis facility will put about $1 million back into the local community when completed. This latest CSRFF grant adds to the $810,000 the club received last year from the Manjimup Shire, which included $200,000 in Federal funding.