Cheney Oval Transformation Continues With New Lighting Boost

Parkes Shire Council is celebrating the completion of two major sporting infrastruc­ture projects at Cheney Oval and the Turf 1 Hockey Field, with another exciting upgrade on the way.

Thanks to $2.97 million funding from the NSW Government, Cheney Oval has under­gone extensive rehabilitation, and the Turf 1 Hockey Field has been redeveloped.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said “Games bring people to stay, play and spend in Parkes and nearby towns and the flow on effects of having top class facilities are good for everyone.”

A third project, the upgrade of the Cheney Oval sportsground lighting, has also now been announced, with funding secured through the NSW Government State Mem­ber for Orange Phil Donato MP said, “It was a privilege to announce on behalf of the NSW Government and Minister David Har­ris MP the $210,580 grants funding for the installation of new LED lighting at Cheney Oval.”

“I congratulate Parkes Marist Junior League Club on their successful application, which will contribute to the greater sporting infrastructure projects at Cheney Oval.”

Funding of $210,580 from the NSW Government, together with $75,000 from the Parkes Marist Junior League Club, will deliver a $285,580 upgrade of the Cheney Oval sportsground lighting. The project will install modern LED lighting, benefitting a range of sports including rugby league, touch football, hockey and cricket.

President of Parkes Marists Jason O’Bryan said the new lights would be a game-changer for local sport. “Having qual­ity lighting at Cheney Oval will mean all our teams can train at the one venue, helping to grow our club and make it more convenient for families, especially during winter when training is currently split across multiple lo­cations,” Mr O’Bryan said.

Works on the lighting upgrade are ex­pected to commence soon, with completion scheduled for mid-2026.