Kendall Tennis Club takes control

The club has taken its future into its own hands by tackling the massive task of building eight extra courts, four mini-courts and a purpose-built clubhouse.

Long waiting lists, players having to use a nearby park's toilet facilities and 115 children sharing just three courts every Friday night could be distant memories.

Kendall Tennis Club president Wendy Hudson said current facilities were not adequate anymore, especially with membership continuing to grow. Membership currently sits at 296.

"After eight years of negotiations, council is no longer in a position to proceed with the proposed tennis facility, but the committee is desperate for more courts, with more than 30 children on a waiting list," she said.

"Thankfully, council will lease the land to us and has handed over the development plans along with the $145,000 which was originally allocated to the project.

"This includes the sporting development fund grant we won in 2006."

The new site, on a parcel of land behind Kendall's swimming pool was purchased by council from the Australian Rail Corporation in 2013.

"The first step will be ground works to prepare the site. It's only the beginning, and work will have to be staged, but it's definitely a start."

To keep momentum going, the club will rely on the generosity of locals and tradespeople willing to give time or donate supplies.

"The club is run by volunteers, so we're going to need a lot of help to even get to the first stage of building three new courts and a small amenities/clubhouse," she said.

"We're putting the call out for qualified tradesmen who are willing to donate their time, along with any businesses that are able to donate or discount supplies for us."

Mrs Hudson said the support the club had received already was extremely appreciated.

Mick Rogers from Drumderg Excavations, Mick Lee from Tidy Earthworks and Excavations and Phil Smith from Haven Haulage gave up their weekend and volunteered their machines and time free to the club to start the earthworks. Craig Wheeler from Thiess is donating the sediment fence and construction fence.

"These guys have saved the club thousands of dollars and we would not be getting these first three courts if they didn't throw their hands up to help," Mrs Hudson said.

"Community spirit is amazing here."

Kendall Tennis Club is one of the most successful tennis clubs in New South Wales - if not Australia - having won numerous awards and being recognised for its commitment to nurturing young talent.

Their trophy cabinet includes awards for NSW Country Club of the year, NSW Junior development program of the year and Tennis Australia's most outstanding tennis community.

"People travel from all over the Hastings and Camden Haven to play here and the club continues to grow because of the vast range programs we offer, the fact that we're well organised and our long history," Mrs Hudson said.

Earlier this year, the club put Kendall in the national spotlight when a Tennis Australia competition saw world number one Rafael Nadal represent the club at the Australian Open.

If you'd like to get behind the community project email Wendy Hudson at darrenwendyhudson@bigpond.com.