In December of last year strong winds brought down a number of light poles at the Forster Tennis Club, putting an immediate end to night-time tennis at the venue.

Not only did this have a significant financial impact on the club and its coaches, it also presented a considerable obstacle to the club hosting the country championships in July.

With an estimated cost of $200,000 to replace the lights, the club was left in a difficult position.

"We didn't have the funds as a club to get close to that amount," club coach Jaime McDonagh said.

Needing financial assistance, the club reached out to Myall Lakes MP, Stephen Bromhead.

Mr Bromhead and NSW deputy premier John Barilaro visited the site, promising $200,000 in funding to replace the lights if the coalition was re-elected.

However, with the NSW State election not until late March, and with no guarantees the coalition would be re-elected, the problem was far from solved for the Forster Tennis Club.

Adding to the pressure was the fact the club needed to confirm with Tennis NSW they'd be in a position to host the country championships come July.

"We had to make a commitment about four months out," Mr McDonagh said.

They were also tendering to host the championships for the next three years, with clubs in Gosford, Wollongong and Nepean eager to bring it their way instead.

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The coalition's return to government at least meant the club wouldn't have to fund the project off their own back, but with the budget not set to be announced until May and no money forthcoming until the new financial year, it was going to come too late for the country championships.

Luckily, MidCoast Council recognised the importance of the event to the area, and working together with Mr Bromhead, they made the funds available to get the lights up and running.

"It was a huge relief," Mr McDonagh admitted.

With the funding now ensured, the task of installing the new state-of-the-art LED lights was able to begin.

Taree-based contractor MBR Electrical was brought in to complete the job, which was estimated to be finished three weeks before the championships began.

However, supply issues meant the finish date kept getting pushed back, with the lights still not functioning a week out from what Tennis NSW called the most prestigious country event on their calendar.

On Tuesday, July 2 the lights were finally turned on, just three days before the tournament kicked off.

Despite the stress of the whole ordeal, Mr McDonagh said the successful outcome was the product of a great collaborative effort.

"All four parties - Tennis NSW, ourselves, council and Mr Bromhead - really got together and ensured it happened," he said.

Tennis NSW was also over the moon about the outcome, with event liaison Brendan Lee saying they had faith the event would come together.

"We were confident that our team, working with Forster Tennis Club and MidCoast Council, were going to get it done," he said.

The effort has paid off too, with Forster Tennis Club being awarded the tender for the country championships for the next three years, meaning the money it generates will continue to benefit the region's economy.

"Everyone loves returning to Forster," Mr Lee said.

"There's no better place to go."

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