By SEAN CUNNINGHAM

THE future of the Barellan tennis courts and clubhouse potentially lies in the hands of Narrandera Shire Council, as a formal proposal has been tabled for the council to take over management of the well-loved community asset.

The Barellan and District War Memorial Club has submitted a request to transfer ownership and management of the tennis complex to the council – a move that would secure the long-term future of the courts and facilities, including the iconic “Evonne’s Wall,” a brick wall used by tennis legend Evonne Goolagong-Cawley during her formative years.

At its meeting last week, the council voted to progress with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Barellan and District War Memorial Club to transfer the assets of the Barellan Tennis Courts and clubhouse to the management of council.

The facility on Mulga Street spans across Crown Land and a parcel of freehold land, which the club has offered to sell to the council for $15,000.

Accepting the transfer could be costly for the council as it would be taking on both operational and recurrent expenditure.

However, despite the financial implications, declining the offer could present risks.

If the club no longer maintains the facility, there’s a possibility it could fall into disrepair.

Councillor Tracey Lewis thought it was important for council to “take on this facility”.

“Volunteers are getting older by the minute and the younger ones are not volunteering as much,” she said.

“We should find the funds to do this as it’s an ongoing problem I suppose.

“But we just need to do this.”

The lot, which is about 1000 square metres, shares a boundary with the Barellan Swimming Pool, presenting a potential opportunity to expand or enhance the adjoining recreation area.

During the meeting, the council acknowledged the valuable work of the club’s volunteers over many years.

Barellan and District War Memorial Club President, Graham Pellegrino, sent a letter to the council stating he believed “maintaining a public facility should be the responsibility of the council”.

Mr Pellegrino proposed the handover should take effect on 1 July, however, the council believed it could be as long as 12 to 18 months before this happens.

The General Manager George Cowan said the handover on 1 July was unachievable.

“This has effectively been on the table for three years,” he said.

“I support moving forward, allowing the tennis club to stabilise and form the direction they want to go in.

“To get this over the line even by the end of the year is ambitious.”