A portable light assembly (200) has a light head (26) adapted to be housed in a protective container (12) and to be withdrawn therefrom when required for use. The light head (26) is attached to a swivel bracket (28) and is connected to a battery (25) also housed in the container. The portable light assembly includes mounting means (18) for supporting the light head (26) at locations in need of illumination. A handle (14) is connected to a lid (20) of the assembly, and the handle has a release member (36) for releasing an extension post arrangement (30, 32) from the protective container. This allows the extension post arrangement (30, 32), Nd (20), swivel bracket (28) and light head (26) to be slid upwardly by activating the release member (36) and lifting the handle (14).