Ellinbank Recreation Reserve Lights Up

Published on 05 July 2018

Ellinbank Recreation Reserve has a brighter and safer future with construction now complete on four new 25 metre light towers.

The lighting project was officially opened last night by Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP and Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Joe Gauci prior to the Ellinbank Football Club’s evening training session.

Mayor Gauci said the new light towers will provide local sport and recreation clubs with access to better, safer and more accessible training and playing facilities outside of daylight hours.

“This project has taken the previously outdated and dull 22 lux level lighting at the oval right up to 100 lux compliant with AFL training standards”, said the Mayor.

“Better lights drastically improve training safety, help to evenly distribute wear across the ground and assist with player performance development. Additionally, the project provides a high quality active open space and improves flexibility between ovals within the Shire.

“Local sporting clubs are the heartbeat of many regional communities, just like ours. This project is another example of our commitment to further developing dynamic, vibrant and inclusive communities and enhancing our community’s quality of life.”

The project has been jointly funded through a $100,000 contribution from Council’s 2017/18 Capital Works Program and a generous $80,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Country Football and Netball Program through Sport and Recreation Victoria.

“We are committed to investing in our grassroots infrastructure to make sure that our growing community has the facilities it deserves”, said the Mayor.

“This project has been a true partnership between State and Local Government. We are grateful for the ongoing support from Sport and Recreation Victoria to improve sporting facilities for the Baw Baw Shire community.”

The new lighting project builds on the significant work and investment at the reserve over the past two years including the development of the pavilion and associated amenities, netball court realignment and netball lighting upgrade.

Ellinbank Football and Netball Club President Mr Rob Pandolfo praised the new lighting project and the opportunities it will provide local sport and recreation clubs.

“When you stand back and look what has been achieved over the past two years it has been a fantastic achievement by the club, our sponsors and community members working with Baw Baw Shire Council and the Victorian Government. As a community we are very proud of our facility and this has transferred to success on and off the field”, said Mr Pandolfo.

Image: Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP speaking at the opening.

Image: Council Community Recreation Officer David McMahon, Mayor Cr Joe Gauci, Harriet Shing MP and Cr Mikaela Power with junior members of the Ellinbank Football and Netball Club Dakoda Eade, Georgia Davidson, Reagan Joyce, Jess Wilms, Izzy Spinks and Jess Atherton.

Image: New 100 lux lighting towers shining over Ellinbank Recreation Reserve.