AFL Funding Adds $30,000 To Conna Wilson Reserve Lighting Upgrade
Ararat Rural City Council has secured $30,000 from the Australian Football Facilities Fund (a national initiative by the AFL that partners on community projects to build and upgrade Australian Rules football infrastructure) towards the lighting upgrade at Conna Wilson Reserve in Mininera.
The contribution builds on the $250,000 grant recently announced through the Victorian Government’s 2026–27 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, bringing external funding secured for the project to $280,000. Council will also contribute funding towards the works.
The project will deliver four new light towers, energy-efficient LED lighting, and an upgraded power supply at the reserve, home to the SMW Rovers Football Netball Club.
A lighting audit undertaken as part of Council’s project business case recorded readings of zero lux in parts of the oval under the existing lights. The upgrade will improve visibility, support safer training conditions for junior and senior players, and give the club greater flexibility to schedule training after dark.
Ararat Rural City Council Chief Executive Officer Phuong Au welcomed the AFL’s contribution to the project. “This additional $30,000 is welcome support for an upgrade that will make a real difference to the people who train and play at Conna Wilson Reserve,” Ms Au said. “We thank the AFL for its contribution and for recognising the importance of good facilities for country football clubs and their communities.”
AFL Community Venue Development Lead, Beau Tran said, “We are pleased to support Ararat Rural City Council's sporting community through this funding contribution. These upgrades not only improve safety, but will also increase usage of the facilities, allowing the football club to offer training sessions later in the evening under these new lights, which will support the growth of participation in the region and support the local community.”
The reserve includes football, netball, and tennis facilities, with clubrooms that also serve as a community hall. It provides a gathering place for residents across Mininera and the surrounding farming district.
