Lights turned on at Bellevue
IT’S been a long wait for the New England Nomads but now they can train and play under lights.
In a ceremony attended by Brendan Moylan, the State member for Northern Tablelands, several Sport UNE dignataries, members of the Armidale City/UNE Cricket Club as well as Namods members young and old, the lights were officially turned on.
This long awaited moment for the Nomads came to fruition after financial contributions not only from the club itself and SportUNE but a $425,000 grant from the NSW Government under the Level The Playing Field Program.
With the four new towers producing light in excess of the 200 LUX required to host local matches and training, the Nomads will finally be able to train on the full field. A dream the club has had for many years according to club president and AFL North West Life Member Adrian Walsh.
“We have wanted this for a long, long time after years of training in the dark,” Mr Walsh said.
“It is very important, particularly for women, safety and making people feel welcome.
“It is also a peace of mind for players in having the confidence at training to go for the ball and being able to see where they are aiming.
“We are looking forward to training and attracting more players to the Nomads.”
Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan said the Level the Playing Field’s program is aimed at ensuring women and girls have access to safe and inclusive sport and recreation facilities.
“Bellevue Oval is used year-round for cricket and Australian Rules Football training and competitions,” Mr Moylan said.
“Before the installation of the new lights, the oval was served by a single light which covered a small portion of the oval, limiting its use.
“In winter, Armidale gets very dark, very quickly which makes evening training sessions difficult and risky.
“Brighter, modern lighting will create a safer, more visible space around the ground, helping encourage greater participation, especially among women and girls.”
