NIGHT games in the Bendigo Football-Netball League look set to be expanded to another two venues next year, with new lights to be installed at both Castlemaine and Kyneton.
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New lighting at Camp Reserve has been on the agenda at Castlemaine for the past eight years, with the project to now become a reality.
Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards announced on Thursday $80,000 in funding from the State Government’s Country Football Netball Program for the new lighting.
Castlemaine has raised $100,000 for the new lighting, while the Mount Alexander Shire has also contributed $230,000.
“It’s extremely exciting for the club... after eight long years of hard work it’s finally going to happen, which is wonderful,” Castlemaine secretary Lorelle Huntly said.
“Our lights are now going to be a reality and should be up by the start of next year.
“It will help every aspect of our club. It will mean some of our junior teams will be able to play on Friday nights if need be and will also benefit other users of the ground, such as Relay for Life
“There will be the opportunity to host night games, which is really exciting.”
In announcing the funding, Edwards emphasised the importance of sport to regional Victoria.
“It plays a key role in bonding communities together and keeping people of all abilities fit and healthy,” Edwards said.
“With these facilities, there’s no limit to what this club can do.”
The new lighting at the Kyneton Showgrounds is another step in the development of recent upgrades at the home ground of the Tigers.
“It’s fantastic for the club,” Kyneton president Rob Waters said.
“We’re really getting things going around the facility now with a new scoreboard, female changerooms, new netball court and new flooring in the social rooms.
“With the new lights, it will just transform us.
“It will make training so much easier and be so much better for our players.
“We’ll be able to host night games early in the season and create some more blockbuster games for the club.”
The State Government announced a $200,000 grant towards the lights on Thursday, with the project also receiving significant funding through the Macedon Ranges Shire.
Meanwhile, Gisborne’s new lights at Gardiner Reserve are expected to be operational within a fortnight, while the club is also hopeful its new electronic scoreboard will be installed by the end of June.
The Bulldogs may consider seeking a night game later in the year.
