League players and their families can look forward to safer, brighter evenings at Mead Park Oval in Glen Innes, with a commitment from the Coalition Government to install much-needed lighting.
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce announced an elected Liberal and Nationals Government would deliver $38,464 towards a $48,464 project to install new lighting at Mead Park Oval.
Short winter days in Glen Innes often force Magpies players to train in the dark. The funding will improve safety and visibility for female players and their families, especially during evening training sessions and matches in the colder months.
“We aren’t living in the dark ages, except for Mead Park’s Magpies,” Mr Joyce said.
“Mead Park needs lights, not only so games can be played past 5pm when at times it’s already dark, but also to ensure the safety of girls as young as six as they finish training, mums who bring their kids to training, as well as spectators and volunteers.”
The venue has a fast-growing cohort of female teams, with 85 women and girls supported by countless volunteers who keep the Glen Innes Magpies running strong, both on and off the field.
“The cold is enough, we don’t want it to be cold and dark,” Mr Joyce said.
“We want our young girls to feel safe at the end of training when they are making their way back to their parents off the field. For so many mums, playing sport means taking a child, and women want the security of being able to see them.
“We need to support mums in sport so they can stay active and involved in the game and their community.”
Local clubs submitted the Glen Innes Rugby League and Glen Innes Minor League Women’s Safety Measures Project in response to the growing demand for better infrastructure to accommodate their rapidly expanding women’s teams.
Glen Innes Rugby League president Amelia Williams said new lighting would be a game-changer, improving the club’s ability to host training matches and sessions for its rapidly growing regional development squad.
“We’ve seen strong growth in our women’s teams, including an influx of mothers using sport to stay fit and even bringing their babies down to train and the minor league is becoming a more and more popular choice for young girls,” she said.
“Improved lighting means we can extend our training and playing times, especially during those short winter days.”
Glen Innes Severn Mayor Margot Davis said the council was proud to support the initiative, which demonstrates the clubs’ commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all players.
“Improved lighting at the oval enhances safety and accessibility for female players, coaches, and spectators,” she said.
“It also supports the growth and sustainability of women’s sport in our region.”
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