Wagga Wagga City Council has celebrated the official opening of the redeveloped Jim Elphick Tennis Centre at Bolton Park.
The Council says the state-of-the-art facility positions Wagga Wagga as a premier destination for tennis and sporting events from grassroots through to elite level.
Delivered by Council in partnership with the NSW Government and Tennis NSW, the $9.15 million transformation marks the completion of Stage 1 of the Bolton Park Sports Hub project.
The Jim Elphick Tennis Centre was officially opened by Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, representing NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper.
The launch was a celebration of community and sporting heritage, with appearances from tennis greats, Tony Roche AO MBE (pictured below with young fans) and Casey Dellacqua, Tennis NSW President Melissa Achten and CEO Darren Simpson, Tennis Australia’s Director of Pathways Lawrence Robertson, and local dignitaries including Deputy Mayor Georgie Davies.
Also attending were family members of both the late Jim Elphick – fondly known as Wagga’s ‘Mr Tennis’ – and of the late Joe Schipp, former Member for Wagga Wagga and passionate supporter of local tennis, with a centre court named in his honour.
The new-look centre features eight International Tennis Federation-standard cushioned acrylic hard courts, two cushioned warm-up courts, and five synthetic grass courts for community use. It also includes a dedicated netball court, a multi-use court, and a modern clubhouse offering premium facilities and sweeping views of the tennis precinct and Robertson Oval.
“This project solidifies Wagga Wagga’s reputation as a leading sports and events destination. We’re thrilled to welcome players, officials, and visitors from across the country,” said Mayor, Dallas Tout.
The Centre will soon host its first high-profile event; two back-to-back women’s ITF World Tennis Tour tournaments in September as part of the Australian Pro Tour. The event is expected to attract rising international talent and generate more than $750,000 for the local economy.
Tennis NSW President, Melissa Achten praised the redevelopment’s project’s “collaborative spirit”.
“This regional hub was made possible through partnerships between Council, the NSW Government, Tennis NSW, and the local community. It’s a game-changer for regional players,” said Ms Achten.
Wagga Wagga Tennis Association President, Michael Marien, also welcomed the upgrade.
“From grass in 1929 to today’s international-standard surfaces, the local tennis community is excited to play and compete here,” he said.
