Project: Reconstruction of the Old Bar Tennis clubhouse building

The Need: As a result of a malicious arson attack it was necessary to rebuild the building and replace all fixtures, fittings and equipment associated with the tennis club.

The Goal: To not only replace, but to upgrade the building and facilities in the shortest possible time.

The Approach: As Old Bar is a relatively small community we set out immediately to involve everyone and give ‘ownership’ to the community,
who were already shattered by this malicious act .

The Challenge: To develop a plan for raising funds, which would bring on board as many sectors of the community, and also the wider community.

The successful strategies: A plan was formulated at a special meeting to start a “Buy-a-Brick” campaign which was hugely successful.  The community rallied to this campaign very enthusiastically. Additionally, district tennis clubs from as far north as Woolgoolga and south to Bulahdelah, church groups, school groups, other sporting clubs, and service clubs were quick to offer their support by fundraising and donations.

Close liaison with the local council, Greater Taree City Council, local members, both state and federal led to grants from  development funds, Department of Tourism and recreation, small equipment grant monies, etc. ASF grants were also an important part of the fundraising campaign. All of this was augmented by many, many hours of voluntary labour by members, tradespeople and local businesses to the point where we will be opening the completed building exactly eleven months after the fire which destroyed it. The new building will be an asset to the community and a monument to the indomitable community spirit which exists in this small village, and is typical of what we all believe to be the quintessential Australian character.

Location: Old Bar is on the NSW north coast approx 15kms west of Taree