By Effie Caloutas
The Yarra Ranges community flocked to see AFL football legends Peter Knights and Brent Harvey speak at a special luncheon before the Worksafe Game of the Month between Healesville and Olinda at the Don Road Complex on Sunday 16 July.
Many local footy fans, umpires, and dignitaries were treated to a spread of food and drink by the Healesville Football Club, while listening to the Worksafe ambassadors speak before the blockbuster clash at 2.30pm.
In his first year as Worksafe Ambassador, North Melbourne champion Brent ‘Boomer’ Harvey said that spreading the message about work safety across local communities was crucial.
“Sending a really strong message to the community is an important thing, and the way they do it on the back of football that everybody loves I think is a great way of doing it,” he said.
“Spreading that message to be safe is a really important message for everybody.”
Hawthorn legend Peter Knights said it was important for Worksafe to spread a positive message across local footy and netball clubs.
“I think for Worksafe and AFL Vic Country to have this combination, this partnership, in a reference to farm safety is a wonderful message, a wonderful fit,” he said.
“The most important discipline when we talk about footy and netball or team sports is looking after one another, and helping one another, so it’s a wonderful message that Worksafe gives.”
The legends mixed in with the local community, posing with young kids and Worksafe cards to promote the ‘I will speak up about safety at work’ message.
The Worksafe ambassadors were also part of presenting giveaways to local footy fans at half-time including the post-match presentations where they presented the best on ground medal to Healesville captain Ashraf Davies.
Healesville Football Club president Felix Fraraccio was overwhelmed by the occasion, and said that hosting the Worksafe Game of the Month was excellent for the footy club and the local community.
“To have Worksafe give us a game like this, clubs are always looking for the little bit extra, to get more people through the gates,” he said.
“Worksafe and all you people, we thank you enormously. This is great for our club, and our town.”
Healesville now sits in second position after their emphatic 64-point victory over Olinda Ferny Creek.
