Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Newport Storm Football Club are set for a bright future thanks to new sports field lighting and park fencing at their AW Bond Reserve home ground in Altona North, backed by the Victorian Government.
Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today joined Hobsons Bay City Council and Club representatives to officially launch the new lighting and fencing, made possible by a $200,000 investment from the Victorian Government.
AW Bond Reserve has over 120 junior footballers training and playing at the venue, making it one of the most popular in the area.
The new 100 lux LED lighting opens the main pitch for night training and matches, providing a safer environment for the Newport Storm to develop their programs, train, and host matches, and build their membership. The lights are also energy efficient, so they’ll have lower running costs than usual sports field lighting.
The new fencing between the playspace and football pitch also provides a safer environment for park users.
The Victorian Budget 2025/26 is providing $20 million to support the development of high-quality, accessible community sports infrastructure across the state.
It’s part of more than $2.4 billion the Victorian Government has invested in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.
From new lighting to fence upgrades, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.
Melissa Horne MP acknowledged Hobsons Bay City Council for its $50,000 contribution and commitment to delivering the project.
For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne
“Football is booming across the state, and with juniors signing up in record numbers, the new lights and fencing provide more reason for the local community to join in the fun.”
“The brighter lighting around the ground means more training and night games for the clubs, with the local community also benefitting having extra time to have a kick.”
“Better sport and recreation facilities make it easier for Victorians to join in with local clubs and lead healthy and active lifestyles.”
ENDS.
Media Contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au
