In 2017, the Braidwood Redbacks and Bungendore Mudchooks were playing a heated game for the Palerang Shield in Bungendore.
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That night, then Administrator Tim Overall said to Redback Coach Nick Pengelly they should play another similar game, but in Braidwood.
Mr Pengelly had to tell him, the club would love to, but just didn’t have the facilities.
The floodlights currently at the Rec Grounds are just not bright enough for a night game, Mr Pengelly says. They also only light up one of the two fields.
New floodlights may soon be in the offing, however.
Member for Monaro John Barilaro joined Tim Overall, Mayor of Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council, at the Braidwood Recreation grounds on Monday, to announce $380,000 in funding for floodlighting at the stadium.
The funding comes from NSW’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, which aims to support regional communities with investment in infrastructure.
“The funding is about allowing our community to spend time together enjoying the things they love, without the hassle of watching the sun to decide how much longer they can stay on the recreation ground,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The installation of flood lighting in Braidwood means our local teams can run night training and evening games all year round.”
The project could proceed quite quickly, said Mayor Overall, as tender was approved by council subject to funding in December.
Two hundred lux lighting will be installed, along with new poles.
Coach Nick Pengelly is just excited for the new opportunities this opens up.
The team trains twice a week at night, and new floodlights will mean they can use both fields.
It will mean more opportunities for the Redbacks and Palerang United Football Club to play night games without clashing.
The Redbacks will also look at playing a few night games during the season, says Mr Pengelly.
“It’s fantastic news,” he said. “For the town getting those up, and being able to have night games it’d be absolutely fantastic.”