Rochester Tennis Courts back in action

By Adair Winder

Feb 13, 2023

First class back: Will Frawley, Ava Rassmussen, Billie Watson, Ella Mundie, Alice Connelly, Jack Lister, Jordan Moroney, Harry Whipp with coach Milo Condliffe. Photo by Adair Winder

The junior kids did not miss a beat when it came to getting back on to the freshly laid Rochester Tennis Courts and having a hit.

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After months of training on lawn courts, the first class of kids, aged 5 to 7, were thrilled to set foot back on the courts that are so familiar to them.

The original surface, which had bunched up as a result of the floods, was cut into squares, lifted and removed three weeks ago.

The new surface began being laid on Monday, February 6 and was given the tick of approval at noon on Thursday, February 9.

Billie Watson’s mum, Kirstie Gebbie said the young players were very upset when they first visited the courts after floodwaters had subsided.

“They walked all over the surface when it was all lifted up and they were just devastated,” Ms Gebbie said.

“We had no idea that the kids would be playing on the hard courts today, so it’s been a really nice surprise for them.”

Club president Karen Taylor said the hard courts were a much better surface for the younger players to learn on.

“It’s easier for beginners because you can actually bounce the ball to them for them to hit back,” Ms Taylor said.

Heartbreaking: The 2022 floods lifted the Rochester Tennis Courts. Photo by Contributed

Campaspe Shire Council insurance covered the cost of having to replace the surface.

While the surface of the courts are brand spanking new, the fences surrounding the courts, the nets and some equipment will still need to be replaced.

But the club has received a $5000 sporting grant, which will cover a portion of the cost.

Ms Taylor said it was such a relief to have the courts operational again.

She explained the courts have a positive mental health impact on people who want to play socially, as well as people who want to take classes.

“We’re all just so excited,” she said.

“It feels like things are getting back to normal, I know there is a long way to go in our community but it feels like we are getting there.

“Now these courts are operational again it just means we can continue to play tennis in winter, which is awesome.”