Laharum’s Cameron Oval is set to shine brighter, safer and longer, with a $250,000 funding boost securing a major lighting upgrade that will transform this local sporting and community hub.
The project will deliver 100 lux LED sports lighting, featuring four 30-metre light towers powered by a solar battery system backed by mains electricity. The upgrade will significantly enhance safety, accessibility and the overall capacity of the oval to support football training and competition for all age groups.
Mayor Cr Brian Klowss welcomed the investment, describing it as a long-overdue step forward for the Laharum community.
“This is a fantastic outcome for Laharum and the surrounding district,” said Cr Klowss
“Cameron Oval is the heart of community life in Laharum, and this upgrade ensures it remains a safe, modern and inclusive space for sport and connection.”
The existing lighting at Cameron Oval falls well below recommended standards, with most areas of the field receiving minimal or no usable light. This has limited training opportunities and created safety concerns for players.
“Upgrading the lighting to 100 lux will allow the entire oval to be used safely after dark,” said Cr Klowss “It means better training conditions, reduced risk of injury, and the ability to support more teams on the ground at once.”
The project is particularly important for the continued growth of women’s and girls’ football, with participation increasing rapidly in recent years.
“We are seeing strong growth in women’s and girls’ sport across our region,” said Cr Klowss.
“This upgrade will provide equitable access to quality facilities, support expanded programs, and ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate.”
Cameron Oval serves a dispersed rural population of around 330 residents across Laharum, Wartook and Brimpaen, and is home to the Laharum Football Netball Club, a vital contributor to local wellbeing, social connection and volunteering.
“In small rural communities like Laharum, sporting clubs are the backbone of community life,” Cr Klowss said “Investments like this strengthen participation, bring people together, and help keep communities vibrant and resilient.”
“This funding makes a real difference for small rural communities like Laharum and ensures local residents have access to safe, high-quality sporting facilities close to home.”
Beyond sport, the upgraded lighting will also enhance the reserve’s role in emergency response. Cameron Oval is a designated CFA staging area, Bushfire Place of Last Resort and an important site for air ambulance operations.
“Improved lighting will support safer emergency response and reinforce Cameron Oval’s role as a critical community asset,” said Cr Klowss “It’s an investment not just in sport, but in community safety and preparedness.”
The project has been developed through extensive planning and collaboration between Council, the Laharum Sports Inc Committee, Sport and Recreation Victoria and technical specialists, with the local community contributing $38,000 towards the upgrade. Horsham Rural City Council is contributing $175,320 to this important asset upgrade project.
Construction is expected to be completed within 18 months, ensuring long-term benefits for generations to come.
“This project shows what can be achieved when all levels of government and community work together,” said Cr Klowss “We are proud to support Laharum in building a stronger, safer and more inclusive future.”
Council acknowledges and thanks the Victorian Government for its funding support through the Country Football and Netball Program. This investment is vital in enabling the delivery of improved sporting infrastructure in small rural communities and ensuring residents have access to safe, high-quality facilities close to home.
