Labor Party pledge light upgrades for sporting fields in Whitlam

Avatar
Image Credit: Moss Vale Football Club

The Labor party have promised lighting upgrades for local sporting fields in the NSW Whitlam electorate if the Albanese government is re-elected at this weekend’s Federal Election.

Labor promise to put $3 million towards upgrades in lighting for sports ovals and parks in the Southern Highlands area within the Whitlam area.

This funding would go towards the David Woods Playing fields in Bowral, Hampden Park in Roberston and Church Road Oval in Moss Vale.

Church Road Oval is the home ground of the Moss Vale Football Club (MVFC).

Labor will fight hard to retain this key electorate that they have held with previous MP Stephen Jones since 2016.

Carol Berry has been recently appointed as the Labor party candidate in the Whitlam Constituency for the May 4th Federal Election.

Rowan MacAlpine of MVFC has been recognised by MP Carol Berry as an important voice for pushing through the grant scheme for this opportunity.

Carol Berry has been vocal in her support for football and the need for upgrades in her constituency.

“As a soccer mum and as a former soccer player myself, I know what a difference a well-lit sporting field can make,” quoted via NSW Labor official media website.

“If re-elected, an Albanese Labor Government will improve field lighting in the Southern Highlands, which will make a real difference to clubs and players.

“Sport is such an important way for kids and adults to stay fit and to be part of the community.

“Improving the quality of sporting fields in our region is a great investment by government at all levels.”

Lighting has been cited as an important part of maintaining the fields sustainability for use throughout the season and allows for more activity on the fields for longer hours.

Its key to amateur clubs’ abilities to cater for larger participation which can also increase registration and therefore funds straight to the club.

Local council members have also expressed how these funds would be able to ease the pressure on council money, allowing for more revenue into other projects.

It highlights the importance that Federal and State Government’s grant schemes have not just on maintaining sporting clubs but also the local communities.

As the election heats up to this weekend, promises will be given at large to many of Australia’s communities. Only with the results of the election can the landscape of football in Australia plan for the next stages.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Football NSW calls on clubs to Make It Red for Heart Health Round

Avatar
Image Credit: Shutterstock

Football NSW is calling on clubs and associations across the state to register for the 2026 Make It Red campaign, joining a national awareness movement aimed at reducing heart-related deaths on sporting grounds ahead of Heart Health Round on the weekend of June 5 to 7.

The campaign, developed by the Heartbeat of Football Foundation, asks sporting clubs to wear red, raise funds and build awareness around heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest, which is the leading single cause of disease burden and death in Australia for both men and women, and one that health authorities say is largely preventable through modifiable risk factors.

The call to action comes as the Foundation continues its work to map and register Automated External Defibrillators across NSW sporting facilities, a project that has already engaged twelve football associations and fed data into both the NSW Ambulance GoodSAM registry and NSW Health’s public AED map. The availability of a functioning, registered AED on site is among the most significant determinants of survival following sudden cardiac arrest, with survival rates declining sharply for every minute without defibrillation.

Football NSW is encouraging clubs to engage with the campaign across three areas. Clubs can register for the Make It Red campaign to help fund research, education and prevention programs. Participants, particularly those aged over 35, are encouraged to seek a free heart health screening test from their local GP or enquire about hosting a Heartbeat of Football testing day. Clubs are also urged to ensure their grounds have active, accessible AEDs in place, with guidance available through Football NSW’s Rescue Ready Guide.

The Make It Red campaign runs from June 5 to July 12, with Heart Health Round taking place across the opening weekend. Clubs can register and access participation resources at makeitred.org.

Community Spirit Shines on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026

Avatar
Image credit: Football Australia

This week, Football Australia (FA) celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026, championing the people and communities who continue to hold up a safe, inclusive and supportive environment in the football landscape.

‘For all, for life’

In collaboration with Football NSW, Canterbury Football Association and community club, Balmain & District Football Club, the day reflected the very best of what football provides.

The event brought in participants of all ages – from 4-74 years-old – and reached a total of 400 people. Girls-only programs, all-abilities sessions and over-age football ensured all were catered for.

Such a diverse range of participants builds on a wider drive during FIFA World Football Week, which seeks to promote the sport not just as the dazzling lights of 100,000-seater stadiums, but as a way to foster community spirit and social development.

Furthermore, FA support through its Club Changer program was a welcome addition to the action, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to nurture a real love for the game across communities in Australia.

“Through Club Changer we support our clubs to provide a safe, fun and enjoyable environment where everyone is welcome; whether that be as a player, volunteer, referee or supporter,” explained National Program Manager Club Development at FA, Grace Lambourne.

“Everyone should feel they belong and are welcome to play, stay, and love the game.”

 

A welcome celebration

While the upcoming FIFA World Cup will no doubt inspire millions of future Socceroos and Matildas, events like the AFC Grassroots Football Day represent something beyond just inspiration.

It is a platform. An opportunity to express a love for football and to connect with others while doing so.

And connections between the professional and grassroots game is more important than ever if Australia is to nurture the next generation of talent.

This is particularly clear in the rise of women’s football across the nation. Since the FIFA Women’s World Cup, female participation rose by 32%, and registrations for the MiniTillies Program skyrocketed from 264 in 2023, to 1223 in 2024.

The professionals spark passion. But communities turn that passion into playing time.

That is why celebrating grassroots football – and the volunteers and families who sustain it – is a vital part of Australia’s football future. Together, FA and the AFC are creating strong foundations built on positivity, engagement, and inclusivity for all with a love for the beautiful game.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend