Inaugural Run to Switch on the Solar Lights at Lake Hamilton
Published on 19 June 2025
Southern Grampians Shire Council is pleased to invite the entire community to the official launch of Lake Hamilton’s brand-new solar lighting on Tuesday 24 June.
Join us at 5.30pm at the Lakes Edge Adventure Playground for a sausage sizzle courtesy of Hamilton Rotary. At 6:00pm the switch will be flicked, and 98 brand new solar streetlamps will come to life, lighting up Lake Hamilton for the first time.
To mark the moment, the Hamilton Running Club will lead a celebratory lap of the lake starting at the Lakes Edge Adventure Playground at 6:00pm sharp, and whether you’re a runner, walker, stroller-pusher or selfie-taker, everyone is welcome.
“We are delighted to have been able to pursue this project following a request from a community club,” said Mayor Dennis Heslin.
“My hat goes off to the runners who are coming out to run on a cold Winters night, but that’s exactly what this is for. These lights are going to change our relationship with the lake, not just how we see it, but how we can use it as a community! Joggers, cyclists and walkers will now have a safe, accessible and welcoming track that can now be utilised 24 hours a day.”
The new solar lighting system includes 98 lights on the Lake perimeter trail with four more to service the dog park, featuring smart technology designed to maximise both safety and energy efficiency. From dusk, the lights will operate at full brightness for four hours, ensuring maximum visibility during peak evening activity. The lights will then dim significantly until dawn with light directed towards the path only.
This project has been an aspiration for the community for some time with the Hamilton Running Club submitting the proposal during the 2024–2025 community budget consultation. The submission outlined a request for lighting to improve safety and encourage year-round use of the lake with walkers, runners and cyclists.
“Every year, Council goes out to the public for budget submissions, inviting members of the public, clubs and organisations to present ideas to be included in the following years budget. We get cracking ideas and this is one that will have an impact that will be felt for years,” he concluded.
This free, family-friendly event is open to everyone, not just the runners. So come and enjoy the atmosphere, grab a snag, and watch the lake light up like never before.
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