Football and netball clubs from across the outer east have joined over 200 clubs in funding for their dedication to encouraging safe driving behaviours.
The Labor Government and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) have recognised grassroot football and netball clubs across the state for their work campaigning to prevent road trauma during the 2024 season.
Roads and Road Safety minister Melissa Horne announced 233 community clubs will share in $600,000 to promote road safety in their communities.
“Football and netball clubs are at the heart of our communities and we are fortunate to have so many people campaigning to prevent road trauma,” she said.
Among the Eastern Football Netball League were Croydon Junior Football Club, Ferntree Gully Eagles Football Netball Club ‐ Juniors, Lilydale Junior Football Club, The Basin Football Club, Lysterfield Junior Football Club and Mooroolbark Football Netball Club.
The clubs will receive up to $10,000 through the program, which is delivered in partnership with AFL Victoria. The program encourages clubs to engage with players, members and their communities on key road safety issues and promote safe behaviours.
“The TAC Club Rewards Program is one of the most important initiatives for community football clubs across the state, providing a fantastic avenue for clubs to actively contribute to the safety of their community and generate valuable funding in the process,” Head of AFL Victoria Greg Madigan said.
Successful clubs are able to use the money for a range of initiatives including education programs, club transport initiatives, new equipment and uniforms and facility upgrades and improvements.
Around 40 per cent of successful applications have come from regional Victoria where serious road trauma risk is highest. Players, officials and supporters from regional clubs often travel long distances on high-speed roads to get to training and games, and their leadership is critical to preventing road trauma.
AFL Victoria-affiliated clubs from across the state were invited to apply for the program and show how they supported road safety throughout the year, including taking part in the TAC’s Road Safety Round.
As part of this year’s program, clubs were asked to start conversations and be part of the campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding, with the tagline – ‘Show up for your team. Slow down on the road’.
The TAC Club Rewards Program is part of the TAC’s 32-year partnership with AFL Victoria, which aims to empower clubs to develop a culture where all players and members are expected to be safe on the roads.
“The power of peer-to-peer support, leadership and education cannot be underestimated – and I thank our local football and netball clubs for being road safety ambassadors and caring for their communities,” Transport Accident Commission chief executive officer Tracey Slatter said.
To learn more and to see the full list of recipients, visit tac.vic.gov.au/about-the-tac/community/grants.
