Grafton hockey hats on for $335k lights

By Tim Howard

Grafton hockey players have taken to wearing hats and sunnies while playing at night after the installation of $335,000 of LED lighting at the city’s hockey complex.

Grafton Hockey Association vicepresident Lyn Newby said the new lighting for the associations two artifcial surfaces, the Brent Livermore Field and the The Legends Field had exceeded all expectations.

“It’s like playing during the day,” Ms Newby said. “Players have been saying they’ve taken to wearing hats when they play at night.”

Member for Clarence Richie Williamson offcially opened the recently completed project, funds through a project of the previous government NSW Government, the Female Friendly Sports Facilities and Lighting Upgrade program, last Thursday

“Hockey is a really big sport in Grafton and has produced some outstanding female players over the years, with the under-18s girls representative hockey team recently travelling to Narellan to play in the Division 1 State Championships,” Mr Williamson said.

“The lighting upgrade will provide a safer and more inclusive space allowing increased night games while at the same time reduce running costs by providing more durable lighting.

“When women and girls feel comfortable they are more likely to stick with their chosen sport. This helps local clubs keep existing players and inspires the next generation of female sporting stars.

“It’s important that we continue to invest in existing local sporting infrastructure making them safer, more inclusive and more sustainable, and I congratulate Grafton Hockey Association on its successful application under the program.”

Ms Newby said there were long-term benefts from the upgrade, particularly a drastic drop in the association’s electricity bills.

She said GHA had been spending about $20,000 a year on the lights which were used six nights a week.

The lights were also more durable than the previous lights, with a lifespan of up to 25 years, which would signifcantly lower maintenance costs on them.

“This means we can keep playing fees at a reasonable cost and ensure there is suffcient lighting around the complex to enable our player base to be secure, while enjoying sport and ensuring a safe and inclusive atmosphere while enjoying night hockey,” she said.

Grafton Rugby Club was also successful in receiving $160,000 under the same program to upgrade lighting and other female facility upgrades at its Hay Street sporting complex in South Grafton.