19 September, 2025
Goulburn Valley Water’s goal to increase the number of permanent hydration stations located at regional sporting facilities has taken another step forward with the installation of a new drinking fountains at Cobram Lawn Tennis Club.
A Be Smart Choose Tap partnership with the northern region shire has seen the number of Goulburn Valley Water grow to 14 with the installation of the hydration stations at the William Street tennis complex.
There are hydration stations in 10 Moira shire towns, ranging from town squares to public parks, and recreation ovals to other sporting sites.
Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director Dr Steve Capewell said this latest installation recognised the need for water at sites where summer sport was a major focus.
“Ensuring our hydration stations are located in areas where they will be most beneficial is an important part of the partnerships we have with local councils. This latest installation is very timely as it comes on the eve of the 2025-26 season, meaning both Cobram and visiting players will be able to access drinking water.
“It would be great to think that, like the commitment we made several years ago to have hydration stations in every town with a drinking water supply, we could continue to work with shires to have the re-fill sites based at other locations in the northern region,” Dr Capewell said.
Numurkah Tennis Club was the first hydration station installed in the Moira Shire, in 2016, with recreation reserves at Katunga, Picola, Strathmerton, Yarroweyah and Cobram also having their own drinking fountain.
Cobram Tennis Club is home to 16 lawn tennis courts and earlier this year celebrated the 100th staging of its annual Labour Day Tournament. The club has a strong senior and junior membership base, while also offering social tennis during the week and veterans tennis.
Cobram Lawn Tennis Club vice president Matthew Ross-Soden said the courts were extremely popular with visitors and having drinking water on site encouraged people to remain hydrated while they were using the facilities.
“Along with the visitors, who are among hundreds who descend on the club for our Labour Day Tournament, we have a juniors program that has the site buzzing every Saturday morning, and then our senior pennant teams take over in the afternoon.
“The drinking fountain will also be popular with our players at training on Tuesday and with social tennis participants on Thursday,” he said.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM said Council was proud to continue partnering with Goulburn Valley Water to increase community access to drinking water at key locations, including local sporting facilities.
“This is an important collaboration that continues to support our sporting community, helping people to stay hydrated, particularly during the summer months,” Dr Emonson said.
“It also aligns with Council’s commitment to waste reduction and environmental sustainability. When people choose reusable bottles over single-use plastics and refill at stations like this, it’s an easy way to reduce waste in our environment.”
For more information about the Be Smart Choose Tap sponsorship program and details of where to find existing hydration stations visit Choose Tap.
