What’s happening?
Kettle Park in Rockhampton is now lit up for action well into the evening, thanks to the installation of five new competition-standard lighting towers. With support from the Queensland Government’s Minor Infrastructure Program and partnerships with The Cathedral College and Queensland Rugby League, the $250,000 project has transformed the once-sunset-limited fields into a year-round, all-hours sports hub.
Why it matters
Before the upgrade, winter matches were cut short by early darkness. Now, local teams can train and compete after hours. This means more games, more flexibility for families, and greater access to facilities for a range of users—from juniors to elite athletes.
Local Impact
Principal of The Cathedral College, Rob Alexander, said the change has been dramatic. “Once upon a time the fields would be closed by sundown,” he said. “Now we can play three or four games if we want.” The lighting covers two rectangular fields and is upgrade-ready for future higher lux needs. It’s sparked a major surge in community use.
“There’s somewhere between 500 and 1,000 more participants who are able to use the field,” Alexander added. The venue already caters to Oztag, touch football, rugby league, rugby union, soccer, AFL, athletics, cricket training, and various community groups.
By the numbers:
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$250,000 in funding supported the lighting upgrade
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5 lighting towers now deliver 100 lux strength for night use
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Up to 1,000 more local participants now regularly access the fields
Zoom In
Local strength and conditioning coach Justen Parle from the Rockhampton Capras said the upgrades are a “godsend” for player development. “Places like this venue are going to help us do that,” he said. Student athlete Millie agreed: “The new lights are amazing. They let us play at nighttime and train at later times so it’s just perfect.”
Zoom Out
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, the improvements have opened up new dreams for local youth. “It’s quite possible that there’s students in Rockhampton who will utilise these fields, and that may pave the way for them to represent some sport in the future,” said Alexander.
What To Look For Next?
The lighting system has been designed to cater for future upgrades. As demand grows, expect brighter lights and even more extended use of the venue—supporting the next generation of Rockhampton athletes.
