The 25th Traralgon ITF Junior International is in full swing, with some of the world’s top up and coming tennis stars on show at the Traralgon Tennis Complex in this week’s main draw.
Contested by the likes of Roger Federer, Nick Kyrgios, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Jelena Dokic in past events, the prestigious annual tournament is set for bigger and better things in years to come with the State Government serving up a $400,000 upgrade for the host facility.
The works will include redevelopment of 14 courts, groundworks and replacement of the club’s 40 year-old original perimeter fencing, commencing late January.
Tennis Australia’s Manager of Tournament Development Francis Soyer, said the upgrades would ensure Traralgon continued to lead the way for regional tennis centres.
“Other facilities or other councils around Australia look to Traralgon in the last 25 years or so as a bit of a leader of the pack and they’re improving on that,” Mr Soyer said.
“We’re delighted that we’ve got the support of government and the council to improve the facility so we can keep coming back here with major events.”
Traralgon Tennis Association Manager Susie Grumley said the works would enhance the venue’s capacity to attract marquee events, such as Davis Cup ties.
“We’re very excited about it. The venue’s coming up to 40 years old and some of these major improvements are well needed, and it’s very important that we keep improving our facilities to be able to continue to hold major events and hopefully secure more events,” Ms Grumley said.
“There’s a lot of healthy competition with new centres… they would love to have some our events so it’s important we keep improving and make the centre bigger and better.”
The upgrade is being funded through the Latrobe Valley Authority’s $85 million Sports and Community Initiative and will follow the conclusion of this year’s tournament, enhancing the venue’s capacity to attract marquee events, such as Davis Cup ties.
“This is the first of seven major infrastructure projects to be realised as part of the Latrobe Valley Sports and Community Initiative, and we can’t wait to see this come to fruition,” LVA Chief Executive Karen Cain said.
“The Traralgon Tennis Association has long been a leading community asset, and these works will further enhance its amenity for local users and elite athletes alike, along with its capacity to stage major events.”
Latrobe City Council is delivering the project and has appointed Morwell based contractor Dynamic Industries for the fencing works, using locally sourced steel and sub-contractors.
“Latrobe City Council is proud to deliver the capital works on this $400,000 upgrade to Traralgon Tennis complex to ensure this event continues in our region for another 25 years,” Latrobe City Mayor Darrell White said.
“Hosting championships such as this, not only allows us to foster sports development, but also showcases the great things our region has to offer.”
The Traralgon ITF Junior International began with qualifying last week and will conclude with finals this Thursday.