The days of training in the dark at Inverell Rugby Club are numbered, with a $150,000 grant secured to install new light poles around the ground.
Last year funding was secured to upgrade the lights on fields 1 and 2, and the latest round of funding will finish off the project by providing the infrastructure and associated electrical work.
The latest grant was secured through NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Grant Program and Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan said it will assist in bolstering the already growing programs.
“Both junior and senior rugby in Inverell has grown in recent years, particularly in the women’s space, and the current lighting system at the club’s ground just can’t keep up,” he said.
“By installing better lighting infrastructure, the club will be able to install the new lights on taller poles and upgrade the electrical components so they can reach further, and more people can benefit from it.
“It is great to see a proactive club with a large member base of all ages receive this funding to continue to grow the sport and provide an outlet for people across the Inverell community.”
Inverell Rugby Club’s grants and member protection officer Laura Simpson said their rugby community is growing all the time.
“This funding will have a lasting impact on our community by creating safer, more accessible and more inclusive sporting opportunities for current and future generations,” she said.
“The project will directly benefit more than 200 junior players, along with players from our two senior men’s teams and open women’s team.
“It will also support volunteer coaches, referees, families and visiting teams from across the Central North region. Improved lighting will allow us to safely accommodate increased participation, particularly in our rapidly growing female and junior programs.”
Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan
