Funding support from multiple sources is helping the Moyhu Tennis Club (MTC) move forward with its goal to have its courts remediated and the site developed into a multipurpose sports facility.

The club said it was notified in May by Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) that it was successful in obtaining a $41,000 grant through the Regional Development Victoria, Tiny Towns Fund.

Combined with support from Tennis Victoria Places to Play Tennis funding, and a Rural City of Wangaratta community grant of $5000, the investment has allowed the club to undertake a feasibility study for the upgrade of the Moyhu tennis courts and multipurpose facility.

MTC president Wendy Thorp said the club is currently working with Tennis Victoria, the RCOW recreation team and 2MH Consulting (sport facility design and project management), to complete the scoping project and concept design.

"We recently engaged with Tennis Victoria to update our strategic plan and once the scoping project is completed we hope to be (as council tells us we need to be) 'shovel ready' to be eligible to apply for major funding," she said.

"The big picture is to upgrade all four tennis courts, with two courts overlaid with a netball court and two overlaid with four pickleball courts, a basketball half-court and a hit up wall, all under lights.

"Not only will a multipurpose facility be a great asset for the Moyhu and the surrounding area, it will be a great asset to promote tourism in the King Valley tourism region."

Ms Thorp said the club's tennis programs have commenced for the season, with strong numbers once again across all programs including mini and junior hot shots, teen cardio and adult cardio for both men and women.

In addition, the club has casual Friday night social tennis, with players coming from Wangaratta, Molyullah, Greta, Whitfield, Cheshunt, Oxley, Milawa and the local community.

"It is fabulous to see the community out and about and connecting socially and through exercise," Ms Thorp said.

"Moyhu is part of council's growth corridor and new housing estates having commenced, so upgrading the courts would position the club as a vital hub for new residents, providing a healthy entry point into the community.

"Community engagement has played a key role in highlighting the need for improvement, with locals wanting local facilities and better public places and spaces for increasing social and physical interaction.

"By having improved facilities, we can increase our potential to attract more visitation and gain economic benefit to allow the club to grow and have increased participation in community life and higher community inclusion for all residents."

The club has also received two additional grants - one from council's community grants program, and a Nutrien Ag Solutions community grant - which it has used to install two electric public-use barbecues at the tennis courts, just in time for the current tennis season.

The club recently welcomed Nutrien Ag Solutions general manager of Eastern Victoria and Riverina Emma Hurlston, and team assistance/livestock administration Jane Murdoch, who visited the courts to see the barbecues successfully installed during a visit to the region.

To find out more about the club and its available programs and timetables contact moyhutennis@gmail.com, visit the club on Facebook or call 0429 020 177.

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King Valley in brief

Whitfield District Primary School to mark 150 years

Whitfield District Primary School will celebrate 150 years with a community celebration at the school grounds this Saturday, 8 November from 11am to 5pm.

It will be a day of old school games and races with festival-style entertainment including stalls, face painting, animal displays, art and craft and local food and wine, as past, present and future students, families and community members gather to celebrate the major milestone.

An official ceremony and the opening of the last time capsule will take place at 1pm, with the running of the Whitty Cup at 2pm, followed by live music and a bush dance from 3pm.

Entry is free, with proceeds from stalls supporting the school and local community.

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Remembrance Day service in Whitfield

A Remembrance Day service will be held at the King Valley Community Memorial Hall (former RSL hall in Whitfield) on Tuesday, 11 November.

The community is invited to gather at 10.50am for a brief service, with refreshments to follower, with enquiries to Angela on 5729 8487.

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Try blind bowls at Moyhu Bowls Club

Adults with vision loss are invited to try lawn bowls in a social and inclusive environment on Sunday, 16 November from 12pm to 4pm at the Moyhu Bowls Club.

Supported by Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria and Sport4All, participants will learn new skills and enjoy a friendly, fun and engaging game, with both beginners and seasoned bowlers welcome.

Arrive at 12pm for a BYO lunch before play, with afternoon tea provided from 3pm to 4pm, and entry is free with bookings essential to Tegan at tegan@blindsports.org.au or call 0478 626 393.

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Community dinner in Edi Upper

Come and enjoy another lovely community get-together at the Edi Upper Hall on Friday, 21 November from 5.30pm for a 6pm meal.

Roasted meats and salads will be provided (BYO drinks) with RSVP appreciated to help with catering by text to 0468 369 210.

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