Local Ballarat football, netball, cricket, soccer, ultimate frisbee, and touch football are just some of the sports set to set to light up thanks to new lighting at Russell Square Recreation Reserve in Ballarat.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison MP today joined City of Ballarat Councillor Samantha McIntosh to officially launch the new lighting at the popular reserve, made possible by funding up to $450,000 from the Victorian Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund – Female Friendly Facilities and a contribution of $162,000 from the City of Ballarat.

Russell Square Recreation Reserve is home to a growing number of different sport clubs including Ballarat North United Soccer Club, Ballarat Touch Football Association, East Ballarat Cricket Club, East Ballarat Junior Football Netball Club, Ballarat Masters Football Club, and Ballarat Ultimate Frisbee Club.

The new pitch lighting will help re-establish sport at this popular reserve and allow home clubs to utilise the whole reserve safely, especially during twilight training and night games.

That’s more opportunity for growing club membership, from the under 10s to the women’s seniors, to use more of the pitch and stay on the park after dark.

The Victorian Government has invested more than $1.05 billion in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014.

From playspace upgrades to new lighting, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.

Investments like these are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and fast-tracking community recovery by improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.

Ms Addison acknowledged the City of Ballarat for its commitment and financial contribution to the project.

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit www.sport.vic.gov.au