The lighting was officially turned on by state representative on behalf of the Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Hon. Klasey Hirst MLC at a special opening event, with speeches from Club Chairperson Fred Van Elswyk, representatives from the WA Football Commission and Mayor Margaret Thomas.

A unique aspect of the upgrade was how it was delivered, with the Club overseeing all components of the project, from design to delivery. Demonstrating capacity building through local clubs, for the benefit of their communities. This reflects a new direction the City is progressing in the future.

The $366,600 upgrade was delivered in partnership with the City of Kalamunda, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (formerly Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries) through the Club Night Lights Program, the Pickering Brook Sports Club, and the WA Football Commission.

The project will allow for safer training, longer play hours and continued club growth in one of the region’s most active sporting communities.

Fred Van Elswyk, Pickering Brook Sports Club Chairperson said "Our numbers have been growing since 2020, and we simply didn’t have enough space or light to train everyone safely. Since the new lights went in, we’ve already seen a surge in new members. It shows what’s possible when facilities match community need. It is great to see the number of our women’s Masters team go beyond 30." 

Manager Facilities & Government Relations at WA Football Steven Rose declared the result a big win for the community. "Clubs like Pickering Brook are the glue that holds communities together,” Rose said. “Targeted infrastructure like this helps unlock not only sport development but also mental health and social cohesion." 

City of Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas was thrilled to see the project come to life, stating “The bright lights of Pickering Brook are about opportunity and creating a safe, welcoming place where people can train, connect and thrive. We are proud to support projects that build personal resilience, promote inclusivity and strengthen the fabric of local sport." 

The new LED lights deliver an average of 150 lux across the field, enabling evening competition at the venue, which will expand use by community groups and even drone-based training in the evenings. 

The Club has been advocating for lighting improvements for more than six years, driven by growing membership and increasing demand for safe evening training conditions. Until now, large areas of the field remained in shadow, limiting use and posing safety risks for players. 

This infrastructure investment reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to active lifestyles and community wellbeing. 

For more information visit www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au or phone the City of Kalamunda on 9257 9999 or email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au.