Council backs down on Ken Rosewall Tennis Centre as community fight delivers victory

A sustained community campaign has succeeded in forcing Georges River Council to back down from plans that threatened the future of the Ken Rosewall Tennis Centre in Mortdale.

Member for Oatley, Mark Coure MP said the decision followed months of advocacy after council moved to put the long-standing operator of the centre out to tender.

“The tender process created significant uncertainty for hundreds of local juniors, seniors, families, coaches and volunteers who rely on the centre each week,” Mr Coure said.

“Locals feared that handing the facility to an external operator could jeopardise local competitions, long-standing coaching relationships and the strong community culture built over many decades.”

“Council has finally listened and backed down and this is a great result for local players, families and the wider community.”

Managing Director of Evolution Tennis & head coach, Sandor Platthy, said that he was absolutely thrilled that their tender had been approved.

“This outcome is an incredible relief for me, my family, and our coaching team, but more importantly, it’s a significant win for our entire community. This result ensures stability and continuity for everyone involved.

“The support from the community is what carried us across the finish line. The encouragement, messages, and belief in what we do at the Ken Rosewall Tennis Centre made a real difference.”

“We’re excited to continue strengthening our community and further enhancing the centre as a venue for players, families, and tennis lovers of all ages.”

“As a thank you, we’ll be hosting a Community Family Day at the centre to celebrate and show our appreciation for the incredible support we’ve received. We couldn’t have done this without the community standing behind us.”

Mr Coure said he would continue working with the operators, council and the community to ensure the centre continues to grow and thrive into the future.

“It was a privilege to speak directly with Ken Rosewall and I gave him my word that I would do everything I could to stand up for this centre and the community that has built it,” Mr Coure said.

“Ken understands better than anyone the importance of grassroots sport, community involvement and giving young people the opportunity to develop their skills close to home.”

“Community sport facilities exist to serve the community first. This is the right outcome and I would like to thank the Council for listening. I will keep standing up for our local facilities to ensure they remain in community hands.”

ENDS