Source: Kyogle Council media release.
BONALBO’S sporting community has scored a win with the official opening of the village’s new flood-resilient tennis courts.
Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland OAM and NSW Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin partnered to cut the ribbon on the new $300,000 multi-sport courts on Australia Day (yesterday).
Located near Peacock Creek, the tennis courts were badly damaged in the 2022 floods and were impacted by the erosion of the creek banks.
The original clay courts have been replaced with concrete courts that have an acrylic coating to improve flood resilience. Pickleball courts also have been added to the layout and piers have been installed at the site to reduce the risk of erosion.
Funding was provided through the NSW Government’s Sports Priority Needs Program 2022, with Council also serving up a contribution.
Cr Mulholland said the new courts would provide a place for people of all ages to come together.
“These new courts aren’t just a replacement — they’re a major upgrade that puts Bonalbo back in the game with a modern, resilient sporting facility,” Cr Mulholland said.
“This project shows what happens when government and council work together with a shared goal. The support from the NSW Office of Sport, along with Council’s contribution, has delivered a fantastic outcome for our town.”
Minister Saffin said the $300,000 investment was about more than just fixing fences and surfaces; it was about restoring a hub where Bonalbo residents gather to stay active and connected.
“By moving the courts 9 metres north away from the creek and replacing clay with reinforced concrete and acrylic coating, we aren’t just rebuilding—we are building back better,” Ms Saffin said.
“These upgrades ensure that the Bonalbo Tennis Courts are resilient enough to withstand future weather events, protecting this community asset for generations to come.”
“I am particularly pleased to see the addition of pickleball courts as part of this restoration. Providing multi-sport options means a wider variety of users can enjoy these facilities, promoting health and wellbeing across all ages in our region. This project is a fantastic example of the NSW Government’s commitment to regional recovery and long-term resilience.”
Photo caption: NSW Minister for Recovery and Lismore MP Janelle Saffin opens Bonalbo’s new tennis courts. Joining her were Page MP Kevin Hogan, Kyogle Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland OAM, Deputy Mayor Cr John Burley and Cr Tom Cooper.
