Tennis enthusiasts in South Grafton can look forward to an enhanced playing experience at the Braylesford Park, South Grafton High School facility with the NSW Government providing $53,790 to help resurface the courts with synthetic grass, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced.

“The funding from the NSW Government is a result of a successful application by the South Grafton High School P & C under the ClubGrants program which reinvests proceeds from pokie machine taxes back into local community facilities,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“The courts are heavily used and currently in poor condition, and I’m told Clarence Valley Council will match the funding, so this upgrade will provide a great boost to the sport and encourage more people to get involved in tennis.”

Synthetic grass is simple and cheap to maintain and can be played on much sooner after wet weather, meaning more opportunities for people to train, play or learn the sport.

The upgrade will also help encourage more students at South Grafton High School to get out on the courts and practise their tennis skills.

Minister for Hospitality and Racing, the Nationals Kevin Anderson said $12.5 million is allocated to the program each year to fund projects to build or upgrade community facilities, giving special consideration to vulnerable communities and areas enduring disasters like floods.

Applications for the next round of funding open from 10 October 2022. To find out more or apply, please visit clubgrants.com.au