Over 150 grassroots football and netball clubs across Victoria will share in more than $1 million as a reward for playing their part in keeping our roads safe.
The Victoria Government will provide clubs with up to $10,000 through the Transport Accident Commission’s Club Rewards Program aimed at supporting clubs that have promoted road safety throughout the season.
The rewards are a welcome boost to grassroot clubs following major disruptions to the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to the pandemic limiting opportunities to raise funds.
The program is part of the TAC’s 30-year partnership with AFL Victoria and provides a platform to speak directly to Victorians travelling hundreds of kilometres on the state’s roads every year for training and games.
So far this year, 182 people have lost their lives on the state’s roads, compared with 169 at the same time last year.
Clubs will use the money on initiatives including safety improvements, launching a women’s team, updating equipment and facilities, upskilling members, coaches and providing medical training and information sessions on topics such as mental health.
AFL Victoria affiliated clubs from across Victoria were able to apply for the program by showing their support to road safety throughout the season, including taking part in the TAC’s Band Together campaign.
Hundreds of clubs took part in the campaign by taking to social media to show they were wearing blue armbands for TAC’s Road Safety Round, despite the Round being cancelled due to Covid restrictions.
Clubs also shared personal stories of how road trauma had affected their club, including campaign ambassador St Kilda coach Brett Ratten.
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll
“Our grassroot football and netball clubs have struggled with interruptions to the past two seasons due to Coronavirus and the loss of important fundraising events.”
“This program is an opportunity to support clubs and reward them for their dedication to promoting road safety and keeping their members and the community safe on our roads.”
As stated by Transport Accident Commission Head of Road Safety Victoria Sam Cockfield
“It will come as no surprise that most clubs throughout the state have been affected by road trauma, we saw some really powerful conversations throughout this campaign that will encourage people to make safe decisions on our roads.”
As stated by Head of AFL Victoria Brad Scott
“TAC has been an incredible supporter of community football clubs in Victoria for decades and the Club Rewards Program is yet another major show of support – with clubs set to benefit tremendously with the financial boost.”
