Served up just in time for the new year, Binnaway Tennis Courts have received a much-needed facelift.

Securing government funding, Warrumbungle Shire Council has been able to improve tennis facilities at Binnaway, creating a more contemporary surface by providing the club with synthetic grass courts, removable nets and a multi- purpose court.

The multi-purpose space is marked with lines for both tennis and basketball, including hoops at each end.

Additional training opportunities were also considered through a newly installed hit-up wall.

The project was completed in December with an official opening of the new courts planned for this Saturday, 20 January, taking the form of a casual afternoon of twilight tennis and a barbecue.

Warrumbungle Shire Council director technical services, Nicole Benson said the upgrades were designed to offer long- lasting benefits for the community.

“This upgrade will enable tennis to revive itself in Binnaway again and hopefully attract visitors from other towns in the Shire to competitions and the like,” Ms Benson said.

“The upgrades will meet community needs and can be used for a variety of purposes, including active and passive recreation and/or social or organised events.

“The multi-purpose court and hit-up wall are targeted towards younger people, with the view to attract this demographic to the facility and provide a place for socialising and recreation.”

Tennis is one of the only organised sports children can play in Binnaway and new facilities have been welcomed by the club to keep patrons safe and fit.

In 2019, social tennis was created to provide the community with an opportunity to play in various competitions.

Secretary of Binnaway Tennis Club, Jane Phillips said memberships had since grown to 30 people weekly, and free clinics for children were also made possible during school holidays.

The club expects the new courts will generate more interest and access to social and competitive events.

“The upgrades have exceeded our expectation and it is great Council has come on board to support improvements to the club,” Mrs Phillips said.

“Our long-term plan is to try and get tournaments, or long-term comps happening with other clubs within the area.

“Both basketball and tennis are great for learning new skills and getting active. It provides kids with something positive to do.

“And, the bright colours are a really nice welcome to Binnaway!”

In 2024, the Binnaway Tennis Club will undergo further enhancements as Council has allocated $25,000 for roofing repairs and structural maintenance.

Mrs Phillips said the support from Council was welcomed and complements last year’s renovations, having received Community Financial Assistance Donations to freshen up the amenities.

Photo: Enjoying the newly-upgraded tennis courts at Binnaway were Jane Phillips, Jim Larkin, Julie Gray, Mandy Ellis with rising tennis stars Michael Gray, Emily Larkin and Keith Gray.