$250,000 Sport Victoria grant to light up Lords Oval

Lords Oval is set for a major lighting upgrade after Mansfield Shire Council secured a $250,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria through its 2026-27 Country Football and Netball Program.

The award of the grant comes after Council worked with the Mansfield Football Netball Club on an application for funding with the intent of making the venue safer and more accessible for local sports teams.

The funding will support new, energy-efficient lighting infrastructure, extending the hours the oval can be used for training, particularly through the darker winter months.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie welcomed the grant, saying it reflected Council's commitment to investing in quality community sporting facilities for the community.

“This is an excellent outcome for our community. It means our local sports teams can train and play safely, no matter the time of year,” he said. 

“The footy club worked with us to create a compelling grant application detailing how lighting at Lords will improve safety and accessibility and broaden pathways to sport.” 

Michael Bretherton, President of Mansfield Junior Football Club, says the football club appreciates the partnership with Council on the project.

“Seeing lighting at Lords delivered through this grant is a significant outcome for junior football and the broader community,” he said.

“The new lights will provide a safe, well-lit environment for our 11 junior teams to train, increase flexibility in scheduling and help attract more volunteers to support and grow our junior program.”

"The installation of lighting at Lords Oval will allow the club, the women’s team in particular, to maximise the use of community facilities. It will position women’s football for growth in Mansfield and build a sustainable future for the game locally."

Davey Holliday, Head Coach of the Mansfield Women’s football team, echoed Michael Bretherton’s sentiments.

“The upgrade gives us the capacity to grow our program, strengthen player development pathways and work towards introducing a youth girls side in the future," he said.

"Having quality facilities puts us in a much stronger position to compete for talent and provide our current players with an environment they can be proud of."

Council thanks the community and the footy club for its engagement on the matter. 

“This outcome reflects what can happen when local government and the community work together,” said Mayor Cr Rabie.

“Particularly, we thank the members of the Mansfield Women’s footy team who took the time to record video testimonials stating the need for lighting at Lords. These made an excellent argument that proved impossible to ignore.

“We look forward to seeing how this lights up the future of sports in Mansfield.”