New $466,000 night lights at the Bunbury and Districts Softball Association Pavilion in Eaton switched on

Softball in the South West has received a major boost with $466,000 night lights now in use. The Bunbury and Districts Softball Association pavilion at Eaton’s Glen Huon Reserve is now equipped to play night games, with the new equipment officially switched on last month by former Dardanup Shire president Mick Bennett. The momentous occasion was the culmination of efforts by multiple groups as part of the Lighting of the Diamonds project, which included funding from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ club night lights fund, the Federal Government local roads and community infrastructure fund and an impressive contribution by the softball association. Speaking at the opening, Mr Bennett thanked Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns and Forrest MHR Nola Marino for their support, alongside all project partners for their funding. He said Eaton now had the only dedicated purpose-built softball facility in the region. “This state-of-the-art facility will provide softball groups with the opportunity to practice and compete during the evenings, creating a vibrant hub for softball enthusiasts,” Mr Bennett said. Ms Hanns said the lighting project was a fantastic example of a local sporting organisation working together with all three levels of government to improve their facilities. “I’m so pleased BADSA has benefited from our club night lights program, and I look forward to seeing softball in the South West under lights,” she said. Mrs Marino congratulated the softball community in its role in getting the project off the ground. “There are passionate and very talented softball players using this facility,” she said. The new lighting will increase use of this great facility.” Softball WA chief executive Rick Wolters thanked stakeholders for their support of the BADSA. “The installation of lights will provide immeasurable benefits of flexible playing and training options, provide more opportunities for more people to enjoy this great game, allowing families more spectating options,” he said. An exhibition match by the association’s under 14s team was the first played using the new lights.