General News
29 July, 2026
Game, set, match
IN A big win for local grass-roots sports, a beloved slice of regional and local history has been saved from demolition after a passionate push by the local community.
The historic tennis courts at Euramo were facing their imminent end as part of Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s asset rationalisation strategy.
The facility’s future looked even bleaker earlier this year after a vandalism attack which left large sections of the perimeter fencing flattened by a vehicle.
With council unwilling to fund repairs on an asset earmarked for removal in its 2026/27 budget, the fate of the courts – originally built in the 1950s and known as Riversdale – seemed sealed.
But thanks to an intervention led by Tully Tennis and Social Club president and Euramo local Ray Zamora, as well as other determined members of the community, the facility has been thrown a vital lifeline.
In a move that effectively rescues the courts, local residents are officially banding together to form a new incorporated body, the Riversdale Tennis and Social Club.
The strategic manoeuvre has paved the way for a crucial agreement with council, which has now approved a five-year lease for the new entity, handing virtual ownership and responsibility back to the community.
Mr Zamora, who spearheaded the turnaround, said he called a meeting with Euramo residents after seeing the historic venue teetering on the edge.
“Everyone’s prepared to start our own tennis club at Riversdale,” Mr Zamora told The Observer.
“I spoke to the council and explained the situation, and they said, ‘Yes, that’s all right going forward’,” he said.
For Mr Zamora, the battle to save the grounds was also close.
“We’re the neighbouring farm here, and it’s been there ever since I was a kid, and before then,” he said.
“That’s the only facility out this way for anyone, kids and adults, and yeah, socialising and bringing the community together, all of that.”
Previously categorised by council as an underutilised asset with aging surfaces, the venue was unable to secure funding or grant assistance because no incorporated user group was attached to it.
Council had maintained that spending ratepayer money on repairs was unjustifiable for a site marked for demolition.
“The council wouldn’t repair it because it was marked for demolition, so they weren’t going to spend any money on it,” Mr Zamora said.
“The council asked us if we could get the club organised in the next couple of months, which we’re on track to do.”
With the five-year lease secured, the community is rolling up its sleeves to take matters into its own hands.
Existing and new club members – many from the surrounding farming community – are preparing a working bee to restore the damaged courts.
Rather than waiting for outside contractors, local landholders plan to bring heavy machinery, tools and expertise straight to the site.
“And I’m sure with a bit of work from the local farmers and that, we’ll fix it all up,” Mr Zamora said.
“We’ll come together as a community, and yeah, a bit of machinery, welders ...”
Beyond the courts surface and damaged fencing, the grounds house a small amenities building that is also slated for a makeover.
“It’s just a small concrete clubhouse with a toilet … a bit of an area for a kitchen, which all needs work,” Mr Zamora said.
“But once we get a lease with the council, well then we can apply for grants and refurbish it a bit, going forward,” he said.
The team behind the newly- formed tennis club is aiming to have the courts restored and operational by September or October.
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