For the past two years, Scone Hardcourt Tennis Association (SHTA) has been working hard to bring about a major upgrade to improve facilities and boost community participation at the Scone Tennis Club located in Hill Street Scone. In collaboration with the Upper Hunter Shire Council, other local sporting organisations and with the support of the Hon Dave Layzell MP, Scone Hardcourt Tennis Association are delighted to announce the planned upgrades to the community.

The plans include a new Precinct designed for multi-sports and the community to enjoy the benefits of sports, participation and connection. A space to deliver coaching and courses, training and assessments. A space for meetings, competition, entertaining and community cultural events. Dignified access for disability, a safe and welcoming space for girls and women, a welcoming environment for culturally and linguistically diverse people living in our community. A precinct that will enable all involved sports to generate further income streams and sustainability.

A significant amount of work has gone into the planning and grant application process which will now see this wonderful community project come to fruition. The Precinct will be funded by three separate successful grant applications including:

• Stronger Country Communities Fund: through the Upper Hunter Shire Council in 2021, SHTA were successful recipients of funding to upgrade and re-surface three of the seven courts to incorporate usage by multiple sports via line markings.

• Infrastructure Grant – Sport and Recreation: in early November 2022 SHTA were advised by Minister Kevin Anderson MP that the application for the storage shed/viewing verandah and double sided hitting wall component of the project was successful. A part of the dream is for the double sided hitting wall (completely free and open to the public on one side) to have an indigenous artwork (mural) painted on the side open to the public.

• NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Fund: On Thursday 25th November 2022 The Hon. Alister Henskens MP advised the success of SHTA’s most recent application to fund a major upgrade of facilities including the construction of a new purpose built Club House to cater for the Upper Hunter Community.

Approximately $1,860,000 will be spent on the Precinct, funded by these three Federal and State grants.

Scone Hardcourt Tennis Association would like to thank the Upper Hunter Shire Council and the Hon Dave Layzell MP for their support and applaud Minister Alister Henskens MP for this fantastic initiative.