The project was made possible through a Local Sports Grant administered by the Office of Sport and a state government Stronger Communities Grant, each contributing $8000 in 2019.

Tilligerry Tennis club secretary Ruth Hack said that the new system allowed locals and visitors to the peninsula to make a booking online, pay via debit or credit card and be on court within minutes.

"We are delighted to see the system available to the community to allow automated access without volunteers needing to handle keys," she said.

"A bonus for the club is that the system records player contact details which will allow the club to invite social tennis participants to activities that are planned to be hosted in 2021."

Club coach James Bellette said that program participants had appreciated the ease of access the keypad locking system allowed on first morning of activities.

"It also allows me to access the lights automatically for evening bookings," he said.

2020 was an exceptionally good year for Tilligerry Tennis Club, with major works being completed by Port Stephens Council to upgrade the clubhouse and outdoor undercover area before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and stopped activities for a month.

"The club members were keen to stay healthy and safe so we adopted the Tennis NSW Community Play guidelines and recommenced our weekly program of activities with strong participation numbers throughout the year," Hack said. "The QR code, sanitizing and social distancing have all been implemented."

Tilligerry forms a major area for tourist activities over holiday periods and the new system will enhance the venue usage and bring much needed additional funding into the facility to build a practice hitting wall and a junior Hotshots court in 2021.

"Juniors love their tennis on Saturday mornings and the committee plans to ensure the facilities are available for the further development of junior tennis, social tennis - both day and night programs - as well as encouraging a return of the local school program in 2021," Hack said.

"The committee would like to thank the council for a $2000 grant towards the online booking system upgrade and the assistance of electricians with the installation. We would also like to thank Tennis Australia and Tennis NSW staff for their ongoing assistance to get the system operational during the COVID-19 pandemic."

For bookings go to play.tennis.com.au/tilligerrytennisclub.

Tilligerry, Soldiers Point and Hinton tennis clubs use the booking system.