Cobram soccer scores big with new lighting grant
Published on 29 May 2026
Moira Shire Council is pleased to announce it has secured $235,00 of funding for the Cobram Apex Reserve Soccer Lighting Project through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSIF) – Community Sports Lighting Stream.
The funding will go towards a $317,000 upgrade of soccer pitches at Apex Reserve in Cobram, replacing ageing light towers and fittings on Pitch 1 and upgrading existing fittings on Pitch 2 to meet Football Victoria’s facility lighting guidelines.
The project will be delivered in partnership with Cobram Roar Soccer Club and Cobram Junior Soccer Association, who are jointly contributing funds towards the project.
Currently, only the secondary pitch meets training lighting standards, preventing the clubs from hosting night games and limiting training options. Once complete, both pitches will meet the required standards, enabling night game hosting, expanding training availability, and opening the door to future regional tournaments, events and finals matches.
Together, Cobram Roar Football Club and Cobram Junior Soccer Association have more than 500 members across more than 50 local teams, including 12 women’s and girls’ teams – numbers that have grown steadily in recent years. The upgraded lighting will directly support this growth by providing safe, well-lit facilities for year-round training and competition.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM welcomed the funding outcome.
“This is a fantastic result for Cobram and for soccer across Moira Shire,” Dr Emonson said.
“Apex Reserve is the heartbeat of local soccer – it services not just Cobram but neighbouring communities in Victoria and New South Wales as well.
“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.”
The sentiment was echoed by Chris Gash, President of the Cobram Roar Football Club.
“This is a fantastic outcome for not only Cobram Roar FC, but for the wider Cobram community and all users of Apex Reserve,” Mr Gash said.
“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.
“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 improved playing conditions, the upgrade is anticipated to deliver reduced operating costs and lower energy use through more efficient lighting technology.
Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund supports new and upgraded community sports infrastructure across Victoria. The Community Sports Lighting Stream provides funding of up to $250,000 on a 3:1 funding ratio to support clubs and councils in improving sports lighting at community facilities.