Kennett River scores with tennis upgrade project

THE Kennett River Tennis Reserve is set for a much-needed upgrade after it secured funds from several organisations.

Owned by the Colac Otway Shire, the reserve is managed by the Kennett River Tennis Reserve Community Asset Committee (KRTRCAC).

The local community association, the Kennett River Association (KRA), applied through various funding streams earlier this year and was successful with all four funding applications, which were recently confirmed.

“This represents a huge win for our community,” KRA president Corrina Dichiera said.

“The tennis reserve has been in need of repair for many years but due to the scale of the project, a significant amount of funding was needed to undertake the works”.

The KRA is set to receive $50,000 from the Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund, $10,000 from the Colac Otway Shire Community Grants Program, $10,000 from the Community Bank Apollo Bay & District and $5,000 from the Apollo Bay & District Health Foundation towards this project.

Both the KRTRCAC and the KRA will also each contribute funds for the upgrade.

“The funding will allow us to resurface the court, build a new perimeter fence, and erect a new basketball ring”, KRTRCAC president Tim Rothman said.

“We want the reserve to be a multi-purpose facility for the whole community, including the surrounding towns of Wye River, Separation Creek and Grey River.”

He said the Kennett River Tennis Reserve was the only formal piece of formal sporting infrastructure between Lorne and Apollo Bay.

“We’re looking forward to organising social events and tournaments, and creating a modern recreation facility for everyone to enjoy”.

The KRTRCAC and the KRA will now work alongside each other, in conjunction with the Colac Otway Shire, to undertake the upgrade works, which they hope to complete by June 30, 2025.