Lakeside Sports Complex secures lighting upgrade via Play Our Way funding

Port Stephens Council has advised that a vital lighting upgrade from a $766,000 investment was secured through the Play Our Way program and demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing local sports infrastructure.

The Play Our Way grant program funds local initiatives and ideas to overcome barriers that women and girls face in participating in sport. Funded activities will:

• provide safe, inclusive, quality and sustainable facilities, equipment and initiatives

• help women and girls to stay involved in sport and physical activity for life.

The program funds activities under 2 streams:

• Stream 1: Facilities

• Stream 2: Participation and equipment.

With their successful grant application, the Raymond Terrace Roosters enlisted the support of Port Stephens Council to help facilitate the project.

Mayor Leah Anderson praised the collaboration and said this is a great example of the strong partnership between community groups and Council working together to deliver a project.

Mayor Anderson noted "The Lakeside Sports Complex is an important piece of infrastructure for our community, especially for our junior sporting clubs. The lighting upgrade will increase the accessibility for field users to hold later training sessions and night games.

"This project is a perfect example of how Council and community groups can partner effectively. When a group is proactive about securing grants, we can help them facilitate the upgrades for the whole community.”

Raymond Terrace Roosters President, Craig Langdon, praised the straightforward process of securing the grant and working with Council and added "the entire process, from applying for the grant to asking for Council's help, was really smooth.

"Council was incredibly supportive and having that good relationship made everything happen much faster.

"I would like to thank the Lakeside Village Cricket Club and the Northern Hawks Rugby League Club for their support during the grant process."

Langdon said there can be upwards of 700 people using the fields at Lakeside Sports Complex during a season.

"This upgrade is hopefully the first of many as we aim to become a more desirable venue, capable of hosting larger events and attracting more sporting fixtures," he said.

Mayor Anderson said the upgrades also have the potential to create an economic boost for the region advising "these upgrades are just the first step in the Lakeside Sports Complex Masterplan that was adopted by Council in July last year. Having upgraded facilities will hopefully give people the confidence to travel here for future sporting events.

"Council is committed to helping clubs secure grant funding for these kinds of upgrades. It's a true partnership that delivers real benefits for the whole community.

"On behalf of Council, I want to thank the Raymond Terrace Roosters Committee. Your partnership and hard work were essential in both securing the grant and working with Council to make these upgrades a reality.”

More information on the Play our Way funding program