Delivering for Cook: 9 new Pickleball Courts in Caringbah

• Read about the nine new Pickleball Courts announcement in The Leader Newspaper

PRESS RELEASE

Simon Kennedy MP secures $590,000 commitment to construct 9 new Pickleball Courts for this rapidly expanding sport  

A Coalition Government will invest $590,000 to upgrade 9 new competition grade Pickleball courts in Caringbah. Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport, and there are not enough courts in the Sutherland Shire to accommodate our community of pickleball players.

The Sutherland Shire Pickleball Club has seen unprecedented growth, with the club’s membership increasing by 168% to over 640 members in the last 12 months. The club now ranks as fourth-largest pickleball club in New South Wales. Yet its existing facilities are struggling to keep up with demand.

Simon Kennedy said: “The local community raised the need for more Pickleball courts with me during the Cook by election just 9 months ago. I listened and I’m thrilled to announce a future coalition government will fund these courts. This was a massive community effort, we had hundreds of community members sign a petition and lobby for funding for these courts”.

Mr Kennedy made the announcement at the awards ceremony of the 2025 Spirit of Pickleball competition yesterday afternoon. Mr Kennedy told the competitors and supporters. “Thanks to the lobbying of the Sutherland Shire Pickleball community, I am thrilled to announce the coalition government would invest $590,000 in new pickleball facilities. This investment would improve access for players in Cook, provide space to strengthen the pickleball community and open up opportunities to host competitions in Caringbah”

In total the $590,000 investment is set to cover:

• 9 new competition grade courts in Caringbah

• Roofing and lighting to enable play in all weather conditions, and

• Upgraded Clubhouse facilities to manage the courts

In addition to serving local members, the new facilities will provide the capacity to host major tournaments, such as The Spirit of Pickleball. This year’s Spirit Tournament is being hosted in Menai, and is expected to attract more than 395 competitors, 30% of whom will have travelled from out of state, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity and economic potential for the region.

Sharon Tindall-Ford, a member of Sutherland Pickleball Club and first Shire resident to raise the issue with Mr Kennedy said: "I raised the social, physical and cognitive benefits of pickleball as a game for all ages, with Simon. I'm pleased to say he listened and is now delivering in response to real community needs."

Garry Sheffield, President of Pickleball NSW, member of Sutherland Shire Pickleball Club and Shire resident said: "Sutherland Shire Pickleball Club is in the top ten clubs by membership in Australia with some 640 active participants. It is growing by 20 people each week and limited only by our playing venues. The injection of investment into more facilities will not only provide further growth and playing opportunities for locals but will enable the hosting of competitions bringing muti-day destination visitation and benefits to local businesses."

Simon Kennedy said: “I’m delighted that a future coalition government would improve Sutherland Shire Pickleball Club’s facilities. This is a huge win for the Pickleball Club and the campaign they have run. Sport is such an important part of our way of life in Cook, and the club’s growing membership deserve enough quality court space to play and strengthen community ties. Hopefully before too long Cook will take over as host of The Spirit Tournament”.

ENDS