In a significant development for the Jindabyne community, the long-awaited installation of new lighting infrastructure at JJ Connors Oval began on Thursday, February 27, set to enhance the usability and safety of the oval for evening sports activities. This project, made possible through a $90,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Investing in our Communities Program, was further supported by the Snowy Monaro Regional Council, the Jindabyne Rugby Union Club, and delivered by Hextra.
PHOTO: The light installation by Hextra created a stir of excitement in Jindabyne CREDIT: Jindabyne Touch Football Association.
Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, acknowledged the dedicated efforts of community volunteers, stating, “Firstly I want to congratulate the many volunteers who have championed this project – without their enduring commitment it wouldn’t have happened.”
“This project is about ensuring our local facilities can accommodate the growing needs of the community. I’m proud to have helped fund this awesome project for Jindy, and I am looking forward to visiting in a few weeks.”
Montana Hawkins, Miss Piggies Senior Womens first grade Team Manager at the Jindabyne Rugby Union Club, shared what the new lights mean, “It’s such a big moment moving forward for us as a club, it gives us a new opportunity to host events in the evening, but more importantly sufficient lighting for the whole oval.”
“For all of our seniors and our juniors we will now have adequate lighting for our training sessions, for the whole session. We will no longer be trying to train on half an oval, and we can potentially look at hosting some evening matches which would be really exciting.”
“Friday night football in Jindabyne, that would be un-real for the community.”
The feelings were reflected by the Snowy River Bears. President Jason Dyball highlighted the challenges of the past, noting, “The previous lighting was so poor, making it very difficult to see the ball and other players. The new lights will also open the possibilities for night games in the future.”
PHOTO: Snowy River Bears President Jason Dyball.
Senior Jindabyne Tigers Cricket Club member, Simon Partell, praised the collective effort of the community, expressing gratitude toward all contributors.
“We can’t wait to host day-night games regularly in Jindabyne and get some younger players experiencing that,” he said.
PHOTO: Jindabyne Tigers hosting Dalgety Cricket Club Saturday March 1, with the new lights installed.
The project initially slated for completion in October 2024, has seen some clubs still enduring less than adequate lighting into 2025.
The Jindabyne Touch Football Association has managed most of their current season in low light, the club advised they anticipate using the new lighting “for next Thursday night’s matches.” With the club’s finals only a few weeks away, the community stands to enjoy a much better finals experience this year.