A LONG-STANDING and self-reliant sporting club in Dubbo has aced its first-ever bid for a government grant.
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Muller Park Tennis Club, established in another name about 90 years ago, has received $25,000 to cover three of its four in-use clay courts with synthetic grass.
NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation Graham Annesley confirmed the grant when he lobbed into the North Dubbo tennis complex yesterday.
The state government has served up an opportunity for infrastructure redevelopment and membership growth, according to tennis club president Ken Bailey and his committee.
After the courts turn green they will rally families to boost membership.
"That is our aim and we hope we can achieve it," Mr Bailey said.
Dubbo residents have been hitting balls on the Brisbane Street site of Muller Park Tennis Club since the mid-1920s.
Across the years a paddock of grass has become a well-manicured and loved facility.
Since the mid-1980s an estimated $120,000 of membership fees have gone towards improving courts and expanding the clubhouse.
Members have put their back into winning matches and maintaining the community asset.
Secretary Anne Barwick and other club members spent weeks preparing the application for funding from the NSW Sport and Recreation Participation and Facility Program.
Mr Annesley said the awarding of the grant was a feat given the competitiveness of the statewide program that was assessed "independently against a criteria".
He said the assessment process looked at "how many people will benefit from state government funding".
"But it also comes down to the drive and initiative of the locals," the minister said.
Mr Annesley said Muller Park Tennis Club members had those qualities in spades.
"Over a really long period of time they have done a great job keeping this place alive, so it's good some taxpayer money is going to give them a hand," he said.
State Member for Dubbo Troy Grant slapped the committee on the back yesterday for its "perseverance" in maintaining the facility and 100 per cent success rate in applying for a grant.
He said it would support Dubbo City Council's strategic plan to create a network of sporting infrastructure capable of drawing high-level competition and tourists over the mountains.
"We're going to be the sporting capital of regional NSW in my view," Mr Grant said.
Mr Bailey said the tennis club had always gone it alone, apart from a council loan of $1200 to build a toilet block that was "paid back in 12 months".
"It's great for a club of our size to be recognised by the government," he said.
People interested in becoming members can turn out for a hit on Sunday afternoons or call Mr Bailey on 6882 8976.