Night football at Tangambalanga will be a possibility from next season after Kiewa Sandy Creek Football Club received $100,00 in funding for new light towers.
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The $120,000 project will be funded by $20,000 from the club, $20,000 from Indigo Council and $80,000 from the Victorian government.
Northern Victoria MLC Jaclyn Symes made the announcement on Friday, saying the lights would improve safety and provide better training and competition possibilities.
“The announcement is great news for Coulston Park users,” she said.
“The Kiewa Sandy Creek Football Club will now have the confidence that they can attract even more members and provide the training and playing facilities they need day and night.”
The project will replace nine lighting poles with four AFL training standard designed poles and an improved lighting system which meets Australian standards.
“This is a football club that has been asking for facilities for some time,” Ms Symes said.
“Lights make an important difference to country clubs.
“It enables you to train later into the evening, it allows more teams – including juniors – to participate in football and other sports.”
Kiewa Sandy Creek president Damien Britton said the club did not have much time to put together an grant application, but he was pleased it was successful and could replace the existing 25-year-old lights.
He said having upgraded facilities was important when trying to attract new players, especially of an ex-AFL standard.
“If you’re looking for players, it’s going to be the MCG or the bush – it’s an extra drawcard,” Mr Britton said.
“Power efficiency is important at the end of the day.
“It might cost a bit, but we’ll save.”
Having a ground with lights able to host games up to Ovens and Murray standard will mean Kiewa Sandy Creek will consider playing night football in the future.
It will also improve facilities for training during the season, be helpful for junior football – such as the under 12s game held on Friday night – and also be used for other events such as Christmas carols.
“As much as we want it for the football club, it’s for the community as well,” Mr Britton said.
The project was supported by AFL North East, Tallangatta and District Football League and Kiewa Cricket Club.
Mayor Jenny O’Connor said it was fantastic for Tangambalanga to have its lighting upgrade get the green light through a collaborative approach.
