Easts Group Support a Brighter Future at Berkeley Oval

As the sun set on a Tuesday evening in August, Easts Group representatives, local elected officials and community sporting groups gathered at Berkeley Oval to see the new energy-efficient 100 lux LED lights switched on for the very first time.

Easts Group Director Brien Samphier, CEO Joe Kelly, local member the Hon. Paul Scully MP, Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM, Mayor and Councillors Linda Campbell and Ann Martin were joined by several local sporting organisations, including Berkeley Sports RLFC and Berkeley Sports Football Club, at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Jointly funded by Berkeley Sports Club, Wollongong Council, the NSW Government’s Female Friendly Community Sports Facilities and Lighting Upgrade Fund, the $95,000 project future-proofs the facility and allows night-time training and competition games.

The project also supports increased participation and volunteer levels while providing a safe facility for all participants from Berkeley Sports Clubs to visiting teams across the community.

“The installation of these new LED Lights at Berkeley Oval is a fantastic improvement for community sports in Berkeley,” General Manager of Berkeley Sports, Mr Mark Wheeler said.

“Women’s sporting teams, along with other grassroot sports, will be able to undertake late night training and competition games – something they were unable to do previously across winter months.”

The new LED lights are also environmentally beneficial, consuming one-third of the energy compared to previous lighting and can last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

“We are proud to have led and invested in this project with the support of the Council and local sporting grounds,” Mr Joe Kelly said.

“We recognise the importance of ensuring sporting venues are safe and environmentally efficient while also supporting the growth of women’s sport.

“We’re committed to strengthening our partnerships with Council and the NSW Government to ensure this site has a bright future and continues to support the local community.”

Following the unveiling of the lights, the Sydney Roosters would also like to congratulate the local Berkeley Eagles RLFC Men’s Third Grade team on their Premiership success and undefeated season.