Bellarine locals embrace initiative as footy clubs light up

LOCALS have embraced an initiative by Bellarine footy clubs to switch on their oval lights after dark during lockdown, allowing them to continue their fitness and training after work.

Drysdale Football Club was the first to kick off the initiative on July 22, announcing on its Facebook page that it would open its home ground at Mortimer Oval to the community after dark, between 5.30pm and 8pm.

“Please feel free to use the community ovals for your exercise time or just a relaxing walk with the family, and feel free to take your footy with you,” the post said.

“While we would prefer to be getting all of our teams back training together, we hope this allows those still able to work the chance to continue their fitness and training for when things get back to business!”

Locals then took to Facebook to praise Drysdale Football Club for its community-minded idea.

Emily Kennedy said, “Fantastic! Awesome decision Drysdale Football Club, thanks for helping to keep our community safely moving!” while Phil Rees said, “What a sensational community idea”, and Nick Hallam said, “Brilliant idea and initiative for the local community Drysdale Hawks Football Club Inc”.

Since Drysdale unveiled its plans, Grovedale, Bannockburn, Newcomb, Queenscliff, Ocean Grove, Portarlington, Torquay, St Albans and Bell Park also jumped on the bandwagon.

Portarlington Demons Football Club said keeping its oval lights on after dark at Portarlington Recreation Reserve between 5.30pm and 7.30pm attracted about 25-30 people on Friday night.

“This number was great, just what was intended,” the club said.

“Credit to Drysdale Footy Club who came up with it.”

Newcomb Football Club, which is switching its footy ground and netball court lights on each weeknight between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, said, “Another week without sport is not what anyone wanted but as a small community we will continue to look out for and support each other where we can.”