Dignitaries from across Shepparton were present for the grand opening of the new facilities at Toolamba
Dignitaries including Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali heralded a new era in the illustrious history of Toolamba Tennis Club at the grand opening of its $1.2m multi-sport court redevelopment.
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The venue has long been described as the beating heart of the Toolamba community, with players from across the Goulburn Valley having frequented the courts for over half a century.
The club’s unique place in the history of the town is the source of great local pride among its 820 residents, with stories of the building of the original courts back in 1972 having gone down in legend among townsfolk.
Some 54 years ago, the Toolamba Tennis Club mobilised strong community support to raise $2000 for the rebuilding of its deteriorating asphalt courts, ultimately constructing four new concrete tennis courts largely through volunteer labour and local fundraising initiatives.
In a letter to the Shepparton News, club elder Alan Clement recalled the fundraising efforts of Robert ‘Goff’ Pogue, in particular, who devised an unorthodox method of gaining donations via raffling barrels of KFC chicken at events at Toolamba Junction Hotel.
Despite setbacks including the tragic loss of key organiser Max Hall, the project was completed on time, reflecting an exceptional community effort which saw members spend every Tuesday from 9.00am to 3.00pm helping to bring the project to fruition.
With those courts having first been built all the way back in the 1970s, this latest redevelopment represents the realisation of a project which has been in the works for several years.
Fast forward to 2026 and this $1.2 million revamp includes four new tennis courts with a netball court overlay, along with upgraded fencing, lighting, drainage and an acrylic playing surface.
In addition, Toolamba’s upgraded infrastructure offering includes seating, a shelter, tennis posts and nets, as well as netball goals as club chiefs look to future-proof a facility that is the epicentre of life in the rural town.
The works were set in motion following the receipt of $847,000 in funding from Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
The remaining contributions were provided by the Toolamba Tennis Club, the Toolamba Lions Club and the Toolamba Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and Council.
The upgraded Wren Street facility was officially completed last month, just in time for the Toolamba Tennis Club to welcome its junior players for the final round of the season on February 14.
Tennis players at the courts of Toolamba during yesteryear
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali expressed his admiration for the community for their support of the project over many years and outlined how the club will remain a focal point in the region for decades to come.
“The Toolamba community have been proud advocates for an upgrade to the facility, and I commend them on their efforts – in particular Toolamba Tennis Club President, Mel Calleja who has been a driving force behind the redevelopment,” he said.
“We are extremely pleased to have now delivered on this and provided the community with a multiuse development which will serve many generations of players for years to come.
“The addition of the netball court overlay provides further opportunities, allowing the facility to support a wider range of sports and attract greater use.
“By catering to both tennis and netball, the upgraded courts create a more versatile space for local clubs, social players and school groups.”
Cr Paul Wickham also spoke of his delighted at seeing the new facilities being put to good use.
“The redeveloped facility will continue to strengthen local sport and recreation opportunities for Toolamba residents well into the future,” he said.
“We look forward to seeing the facilities put to good use by tennis and netball players of all ages.”
