The Mullumbimby Tennis Club via the the Northern Rivers Tennis Foundation (NRTF) is about to undergo an $80,000 upgrade after becoming beneficiaries of a Tennis NSW grant.
The Mullumbimby tennis facility is the largest in the Byron Shire.
The money comes from the Tennis NSW Facility Enhancement Fund (FEF). The Fund helps clubs across NSW invest in their facilities, making them safer and more accessible.
Mullumbimby was one of 26 clubs awarded funding from the $500,000 available this year. The $80,000 grant is the largest amount any club could receive.
The funding will cover three upgrades at the six-court venue: new fencing to replace the old, deteriorating fencing; a new accessible ramp, plus some deck upgrades; and new LED light poles.
The full project will cost roughly $160,000. The rest of the money will come from club revenue, donations, and savings held over from the former committee.
Infrastructure that’s important for the future
NRTF’s Damian Kassabgi said the funding lets the club fix exactly the kind of infrastructure that’s important for the future, with a focus on safety and accessibility, with users knowing the courts are properly maintained.
‘Mullumbimby has six courts and should be the centre of tennis in this region. This is a big step to help that happen on top of the tournaments, socials and coaching available at the courts. It also paves the way for future expansion.’
NRTF Secretary, Philip Wallace, is overseeing the works which are expected to start in late 2026, when the funding agreement with Tennis NSW is finalised.
Once the new fences are up, the club will be looking for new sponsors to advertise to compliment the partnerships with Banya, the Middle Pub and Wilson.
NRTF is a community-run, not-for-profit organisation. It manages the tennis club at Mullum as well as the local NET League.
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