By JESSE GRAHAM
YARRA Glen Tennis Club will be able to fast-track renovations, thanks to community members, following a $1000 donation from their local pub.
On Tuesday 28 June, Yarra Glen Grand Hotel owner Craig Barnett visited the club on Anzac Avenue to present a $1000 cheque to Yarra Glen Tennis Club president Norma George.
Ms George welcomed the donation, and said the money would assist with renovation works inside the club’s building next to the courts.
She said exterior works to the building had been completed by Yarra Ranges Council, but the club was organising the renovations to the interior.
“At the moment, we’re painting, we put the floor down,” Ms George said.
“We’ve spent quite a lot of money on this, to be honest, and we’re just trying to get our kitchen facilities and our cupboards.
“There’s so much to do around a tennis club, and money’s quite tight, and you’ve got to be careful on how you spend your money – so this will take us to a new level, to get in there and get it done.”
When finished, Ms George said the space would be used by players at night tennis games and would be a place for junior players to gather on Saturday mornings.
“They can come in, and we can make this an area for the juniors to congregate in, feel welcome and have their own space as well,” she said.
Mr Barnett said the money came as a result of the hotel’s Friday night raffles, where profits are saved until a $1000 cheque can be given to an organisation or group in the town.
The Yarra Glen Primary School, RSL, CFA and Men’s Shed have all been recipients of the funds, with about eight groups benefiting thus far.
Mr Barnett said the Yarra Glen and District Historical Society would be the next to receive a donation.
The Friday night raffles are held between 6-7pm.
For more information, visit www.yarravalleygrand.com.au or call 9730 1230.
