Collaboration between local clubs, Council and State Government help deliver key upgrades at Toomuc Recreation Reserve

Mayor Cr Brett Owen was joined by Toomuc Ward Councillor Cr Casey Thomsen and State Member for Pakenham Emma Vulin MP to mark the completion of the works, alongside other Councillors, local sporting clubs and users of the reserve.

The event celebrated the completion of lighting upgrades at Oval 1, allowing for night‑time competition while delivering more efficient and long‑term environmental benefits for the community. In the coming weeks, Pakenham Football Club will be relocating the electronic scoreboard to improve its functionality and visibility during games.

The upgrades at oval 1 were made possible through a shared funding approach, including $120,000 from the Victorian Government’s Community Support Fund, $253,888 from Cardinia Shire Council through the Sports Lighting Upgrade Program and $6,390 from the Pakenham Football Club.

Further improvements were delivered through works led by the Pakenham Lions Netball Club, which oversaw the upgrade of netball court lighting. This included replacing outdated metal halide lights with new LED competition lighting heads as well as installing additional lighting beneath spectator shelters to improve safety and visibility during evening activities.

The netball court lighting upgrade was supported by $14,000 from the Victorian Government’s Community Support Fund, $7,623 in Council grants and a matched contribution from the Pakenham Lions Netball Club.

Speaking at the event, Cardinia Shire Councillor Casey Thomsen highlighted the importance of safe, well‑lit sporting facilities for local clubs and the wider community.

“Improved lighting at our sporting facilities is essential for safety and participation, particularly as many local clubs rely on evening training and competitions,” Cr Thomsen said.

“These upgrades support our clubs to grow and ensure the community can continue to enjoy modern, high‑quality facilities now and into the future.”

Cardinia Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Brett Owen said the projects showcase the strength of community‑led partnerships.

“These upgrades are a great example of what can be achieved through strong collaboration between State Government, local clubs and Council and we the Pakenham Football Club and Pakenham Lions Netball Club for their leadership and contributions throughout the delivery of these projects.” Mayor Owen said.

To learn more about Toomuc Recreation Reserve and other sporting facilities in Cardinia Shire, please visit https://outdoors.cardinia.vic.gov.au/

(L-R Back) Derrick Brown from Pakenham Football Club, Cr Colin Ross, CEO James Collins, Cr Casey Thomsen, Mayor Brett Owen, Salv Mileto from Pakenham Football Club and Cr Jack Kowarzik.
(L-R Front) Deputy Mayor, Liz Roberts, Margaret Jones from Pakenham Lions Netball Club and Emma Vulin MP State Member for Pakenham.