The newly restored Cooma Monaro Railway (CMR) Courts and Railway Institute Building celebrated its grand opening today, Saturday, April 5, 2025, marking a significant milestone in preserving the heritage of the local community. The festivities were attended by residents and railway enthusiasts, as the community gathered to witness the unveiling of the meticulously restored facilities.
PHOTO: It’s officially open, the courts and CMR Institute Building are ready for action CREDIT: CMR
A spokesperson for Cooma Monaro Railway Inc. expressed gratitude, stating, “We are thrilled to return these facilities to the community and thank our volunteers for their dedication to preserving our heritage.”
Originally opened in the 1920s, the Cooma Railway Courts were designed for railway workers at Cooma Railway Station. The courts featured a distinctive “Ant Bed” surface, constructed with anthills or termite mounds. Now revitalised, the courts boast a new retaining wall, fencing, surface, lines, and nets, ready for public hire through the Cooma Monaro Railway’s website.
PHOTO: Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor Chris Hanna steps onto the court with CMR Patron, Nichole Overall MLC CREDIT: CMR
As guests arrived with their tennis gear in hand, they were treated to free games of tennis on the refurbished clay courts. The celebration included a complimentary sausage sizzle for lunch, with beverages available for purchase, adding a community atmosphere to the event.
PHOTO: Community members were treated to a free game of tennis CREDIT: CMR
The Railway Institute Building, erected in 1953, also reopened its doors. Originally established to enhance education and training for NSW railway employees, the building later became a hub for social and leisure activities for railway families.
PHOTO: The Institute Building has modern audio visual tools CREDIT: CMR
Now equipped with basic kitchen facilities, modern audio-visual tools, a 75-inch touch screen, video conferencing equipment, and wireless internet, the institute is also available for community to hire, courtesy of a Snowy Hydro community grant.
PHOTO: The courts are a clay surface providing a new experience for locals CREDIT: CMR
The restoration project, completed over two and a half years by volunteers from Cooma Monaro Railway Inc., was funded by the NSW Government through Transport Heritage NSW. Nichole Overall MLC, the CMR Patron, participated in the opening, delivering a ceremonial first serve on the new courts.
Looks like a great facility for the whole community to enjoy.