WARRAGUL GRASSROOTS SPORT SHINES UNDER NEW LIGHTS
Thursday, 27th July
Local sports clubs in Warragul can look forward to a brighter future thanks to the lighting upgrade at Eastern Park Recreation Reserve.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing joined members from the Warragul Colts women’s football team before their training today to officially switch on the new brighter lights on the popular oval.
Sport is the fabric of our suburbs and towns – grassroots clubs are where communities come together, kids make friends and young players become stars.
The Andrews Labor Government promised regional communities the best facilities, and that’s what we’re delivering.
With local clubs like the Warragul Colts Youth Girls football team doubling their numbers, demand for local sports is on the rise, especially from women and girls.
The new and improved lights mean local Warragul clubs have the flexibility they need to train more often and safely, and use more of the oval later into the evening.
The Warragul “Colts” Junior Football Club, Warragul Cricket Club, Warragul Industrials Football Netball Club, the Gippsland Power (All abilities football team), and the Warragul Football Netball Club are just some of the clubs that will benefit.
The upgrade brings the lighting on the oval up to AFL standard for night community matches, opening the door to twilight and night football and other club and community events at the precinct.
The Labor Government provided $80,000 to deliver the works, with project partners Baw Shire Council contributing more than $55,000.
Labor first started the Country Football and Netball Program in 2005, and since, it’s delivered projects like this right across rural Victoria.
In partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, the program supports country football and netball clubs to upgrade or build the facilities they need to grow and attract more members than ever before.
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“Grassroots sport is so often the bedrock of our towns – that’s why we’re supporting local clubs like the Colts and Power to build the facilities they truly deserve.”
“The new lighting gives these West Gippsland clubs the flexibility they need to field more teams and train for longer to keep on top of their rivals.”
“This is another big win for the entire West Gippsland community. It gives everyone the chance to play the sports they love, have fun, make friends and keep active – day and night.”