The Daylesford Football Netball Club has received a major boost with the completion of new LED lighting at Victoria Park, enhancing opportunities for training, competition, and community participation.
Officially switched on during an event held on Thursday 17 April, the lighting upgrade includes 100 lux LED lights mounted on four 30-metre towers for the oval, and 200 lux LED lights on 10-metre towers for the netball court. These improvements bring the facilities up to competition standard and are expected to support expanded evening use.
Mayor of Hepburn Shire, Cr Don Henderson, welcomed the upgrade, noting the value of improved facilities for both the club and the wider community. “Sport plays a vital role in our community, and by upgrading our facilities we can ensure that our clubs remain competitive and dynamic,” said Cr Henderson. “The new LED lighting aims to prioritise player safety and increase programming opportunities for the club.”
The project was delivered through a collaboration between Hepburn Shire Council, the Daylesford Football Netball Club and the Victorian Government which provided $250,000 in funding through the 2023/24 Country Football and Netball Program. The Council contributed more than $90,000, with an additional $20,000 from the club.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP, attended the launch event and acknowledged the contribution of local stakeholders. “Clubs like the Bulldogs are the heart and soul of the community. The new lights provide even more reason for locals to come down and join in the fun at Victoria Park,” she said.
The improved lighting will allow the club to host night games and extend its training sessions and player development programs. Previously, limited lighting restricted the use of the grounds during the evening, particularly in the winter months.
Developed in partnership with AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, the Country Football and Netball Program has supported over 580 projects across the state since 2005, with more than $41.5 million invested. The Victorian Government has committed an additional $23 million in the 2024/25 budget to further support community sport infrastructure and increase participation.
For more information about available sport and recreation infrastructure grants, visit sport.vic.gov.au.
Former DFNC president Carson White (right) turns on the new lights. Local state member Mary-Anne Thomas (Left), Shire CEO Bradley Thomas (centre rear) and Hepburn Shire mayor Don Henderson (third right) join club members to commemorate the event.
