The funding, awarded through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund will contribute to a $317,000 project to upgrade lighting across the reserve’s two soccer pitches.
The project will replace ageing light towers and fittings on Pitch 1 and upgrade existing fittings on Pitch 2 to meet Football Victoria’s facility lighting guidelines.
It will be delivered in partnership with Cobram Roar Football Club and Cobram Junior Soccer Association, which are jointly contributing funding towards the project.
Currently, only the secondary pitch meets training lighting standards, limiting training opportunities and preventing the clubs from hosting night matches.
Once complete, both pitches will meet the required standards, enabling night games, increased training capacity and opportunities to host regional tournaments and events.
The upgrade comes as participation in soccer continues to grow, with Cobram Roar Football Club and Cobram Junior Soccer Association supporting more than 500 members across 50 teams, including 12 women’s and girls’ teams.
Moira Shire Council chair administrator Dr Graeme Emonson said it was a “fantastic result for Cobram”.
“Apex Reserve is the heartbeat of local soccer – it services not just Cobram, but neighbouring communities in Victoria and NSW as well,” he said.
“These upgrades will make a real, practical difference for hundreds of players and their families, and we’re proud to have supported this application alongside our local clubs.”
Cobram Roar Football Club president Chris Gash said the project would deliver significant benefits for players and the broader soccer community.
“Improved lighting will provide a safer and more professional environment for our players, coaches, officials and supporters, while also allowing us to continue growing participation across all age groups and programs,” he said.
“As a club, we have worked extremely hard in recent years to build something the community can be proud of, and this grant is another major step forward for the future of football in Cobram.
“We thank all stakeholders involved in supporting the application and look forward to seeing the project come to life.”
In addition to improving playing conditions, the project is expected to reduce operating costs and energy consumption through the installation of more efficient lighting technology.
Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund supports new and upgraded community sports infrastructure across Victoria.
