A new digital scoreboard worth $50,000 is now operational at Kyabram’s Northern Oval and will be an all-year-round feature for junior competition at the heavily utilised sporting precinct.
The scoreboard has been operational for two weeks and was secured through the combined funding support of Kyabram-based, regional and state-based organisations.
Brenton Sheppard, president of the newly amalgamated Kyabram Bombers Junior Football Club and junior co-ordinator of the Fire Brigade Cricket Club, said the scoreboard’s arrival was something to be celebrated.
“It brings us into line with some of the other clubs in the region and will make spectating at sporting events so much more enjoyable, and interactive, for parents and other onlookers,” he said.
“This project was only realised through the energy and enthusiasm of the people who set the wheels in motion and then through the generosity of a handful of donors.”
Sheppard said both the Community Bank Kyabram and District and the Kyabram Club contributed $6000.
“There was also a $12,500 Telstra Football grant that St Augustine’s successfully applied for, a $4000 contribution by the Shire of Campaspe (again thanks to the St Augustine’s club) and the balance of the funds came from the Kyabram Fire Brigade Cricket Club,” he said.
Sheppard said the clubs had worked in tandem with the Kyabram Club and Community Bank on several other projects through the years, with the Community Bank helping to fund the equipment shed and nets behind the goals.
“Kyabram Club has also been a huge part of helping to develop not only our clubs, but the whole community. We are lucky to have them in our community,” he said.
Fire Brigade Cricket Club has four senior and five junior teams (including Master Blasters) which call Northern Oval home, while the junior football club will have at least eight teams next season.
“These teams will split their home games between the Northern Oval and the recreation reserve,” he explained.
The new scoreboard has full video functionality, scoring capability for both cricket and football via the use of appropriate apps and will have other uses for the clubs.
“We plan to not only use it for games, but for community movie nights and presentations,” Sheppard said.
The scoreboard launch was conducted at the cricket club’s Christmas dinner, which also included the presentation of three life memberships.
Kyabram Club director Mark Schumann and Community Bank director Vince Curtis were both at the event.
“We also used the night as an opportunity to update the club, both junior and senior, of where we stood at halfway through the year,” Sheppard said.