Grant shines light on net benefits for tennis fans

Thirroul Tennis Club is serving up savings and better playing conditions after a $20,000 grant to install new, energy-efficient LED lighting.

This project was one of 16 infrastructure initiatives across the Heathcote electorate that secured funding through a $41 million community-focused program.

The club was able to replace expensive and unreliable 1000W metal halide lights with new 480W LEDs, and the switch will halve power consumption and greatly improve playing conditions for evening games. The grant came from the NSW government's 2025 Community Building Partnership Program (CBP).

Head coach Luke Jurancic says the new lights will directly benefit 119 club members and up to 150 players who he coaches.

“Not only is it better for the environment – it’s also better and cheaper for members and people wanting to hire the courts, because we are able to drop the price so low,” Luke says.

With lower operating costs, the club will be able to cut light fees to just $1 an hour, making evening play more accessible for members and the wider community. The new system also boasts an industry-leading glare ratio, preventing light overspill for neighbours.

Warren Scott, a member of the Thirroul Tennis Club who helped manage the grant process, praised the application system. Alongside his team at Ozora Energy, Warren was pleased to replace the lights and is excited for his next evening game.

“It was pretty easy to use the [grant application] systems that were in place, which is wonderful to see,'' he says. ''The system is very practical, very easy to use and it was just a really simple process that was logical in its set-up.”

The 16 successful projects in the Heathcote electorate also included a $12,000 grant for new lighting at the Bulli & Districts Tennis Association, alongside grants for improvements to schools, sporting venues and community groups.

Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart said the program was a fantastic avenue for making such projects happen.

“It brings a sense of community togetherness when you're out in the sunshine – happy, healthy and playing sport together," she said.

“It’s great to see this grassroots funding supporting local projects that make a real difference in Heathcote.”

The successful 2025 CBP funding recipients include:

Sport & Recreation: Updated gymnastics equipment for Bulli PCYC, first aid/kitchen equipment for Sandon Point Surf Life Saving Club, and bathroom amenity upgrades at Heathcote High School gymnasium.

Schools & Education: A playground upgrade at Woronora River Primary School, interactive smartboards for Aspect school in Loftus, and pergola repair and upgrades for Heathcote East Public School.

Community & Transport: An accessible social bus for Activus Transport Ltd, hall refurbishment for the 1st Austinmer Scout Association, installation of CCTV cameras at Sutherland PCYC, staging upgrades for Engadine Musical Society, and puppy kindy connection equipment for Assistance Dogs Australia.

Local not-for-profit community organisations and councils were eligible to apply for grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Another round of the CBP grant program is expected to open early next year.