The Dungowan Cowboys are training under new lights after works were completed on the $186,881 Dungowan Recreation Ground lighting project, funded by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson attended the Cowboys training session on Wednesday night to see the lights in action.

“The Cowboys have a fantastic reputation in both the men’s and women’s local rugby league competition,” Mr Anderson said.

“The team are an important part of the Dungowan community and it was great to see the whole community come out tonight to celebrate the unveiling of these new lights.

“These lights will have a real impact on the next generation of locals and seeing so many kids out at the recreation ground tonight is testament to the importance of investing in projects like these.

“The Dungowan Recreation Ground holds some important community events like heritage farm field days, rodeos, car shows and dog shows throughout the year.

“The Stronger Country Communities Fund is about investing in grassroots projects that made a real difference to rural and regional communities and this one fits the bill 100%.”

The new lights replace the existing poles and lighting with more modern LED lighting which has a longer lifespan, is more energy efficient and can operate in extreme cold and heat.

Tamworth Region Mayor Russel Webb said its projects like these that truly help to reinvigorate our rural communities.

“Having the opportunity to make such a positive change here in Dungowan is where the Stronger Country Communities Fund truly hits its stride,” Mr Webb said

“The Recreation Ground is a valuable space for the whole community, and its projects like these that give us the capacity to take action and have a real impact.”

The completion of the Dungowan Recreation Ground lighting project follows the completion of an identical project at the Kootingal Recreation Reserve in May.

Photo: The Dungowan community are cheering after the new lights were installed.