Lighting up sports in two towns

The spotlight was on sport at Longwarry and Thorpdale last month when the switch was flicked on a $400,000 lighting upgrade at the two recreation reserves.
Local sporting clubs and community groups welcome the official completion of lighting upgrades at Longwarry and Thorpdale recreation reserves with a celebration at Longwarry, including an opportunity to watch the club's under 10s football team in action under lights.
ceremonial 'flick of the switch' celebration held at the Longwarry facility.
A recent audit at the two facilities found the average lux levels were below preferred guidelines for training and competing on the fields.
The $405,543 Longwarry and Thorpdale lighting upgrades project was funded by a $250,000 state government grant and a $155,000 contribution from council.
The works in Longwarry included the construction of four new 25 metre light towers; installation of light fittings and associated infrastructure to each tower to obtain a minimum average of 100 lux; and, a power upgrade to the reserve.
The Thorpdale reserve has received four new 28 metre light towers; installation of light fittings and associated infrastructure to each tower to obtain a minimum average of 100 lux; and, power upgrades to the reserve which were completed last year to enable the lighting upgrade.
the year prior so that these works were able to proceed).
Longwarry Football Club joint treasurer Steven Tuite said the lights would benefit nine football teams ranging from Auskick to seniors including the club's inaugural girls' team.
"The lights will also benefit our cricket club that has seven teams, including a female only team and enable them to train longer and play some games under lights," he said.
Longwarry Junior Football Club spokesperson Annie van der Heyden said the club had a promising future in being able to host league games at night, which was something the whole club and community would benefit from.
The project forms part of a shire-wide program by council to undertake lighting improvements at sporting grounds to bring them up to equal standard with other council facilities.
Mayor Michael Leaney said council was thrilled to complete the upgrades at both facilities that would now ensure local sporting clubs and spectators could enjoy games with maximum visibility.
"These works follow other recent lighting upgrades at the Darnum and Hallora Recreation Reserves, and underscore council's commitment to supporting participation and involvement in sports at a grassroots level," he said.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said sport was the lifeblood of regional communities.
"For too long clubs like the Crows and Blues have been left in the dark due to outdated or non-existent lighting facilities – they deserve appropriate facilities they can be proud of.
"The new sports lighting at Thorpdale and Longwarry Recreation Reserves provides a real incentive for local clubs to ramp up training and development and for locals to join in the fun.
"The new lighting also opens up the grounds to more night-time events including markets and community celebrations, including the popular Thorpdale Potato Festival, which attracts over 8000 visitors," she said.