A pair of Yarra Valley sporting clubs are set to benefit from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC)’s Club Rewards Program this year for their efforts to promote road safety.
The Healesville Football Netball Club and Coldstream Football Club are both set to receive a grant from a pool of $700,000.
HFNC president Toby Millman said it is a fantastic initiative.
“We know and we all see, especially in the country communities, the toll that these accidents have and the ability for us as a club to be able to do what we want us to do anyway, being able to promote through our social media, through our newsletter communications, through our online presence was fantastic,” he said.
“To be able to do that and then receive a grant from the TAC for $3,200 for honestly doing what we think is right, is just a godsend.”
HFNC has yet to decide what their grant will go towards but will explore any further initiatives to bolster road safety awareness.
Mr Millman said because they’re dealing with many youths at the club in the P-plate bracket, they’ve got to be really vigilant.
“As a club, we are mindful of what our responsibilities are and we ensure that everyone’s going to be educated, that everyone’s going to understand the risks and we’re going to police it as well,” he said.
“So if we see something going on that shouldn’t be going on, we’re not going to allow that to occur because that’s what we want to offer to the community.
“We want to educate our guys, so that our guys aren’t a problem.”
HFNC would discuss road safety at their Thursday night dinners, communicate via social media for their younger club members and email for the oldern fatererntiy, including links and guidance material to them.
TAC chief executive Tracey Slatter said footballers and netballers often travel long distances for games and training.
“By making road safety a priority, these clubs are protecting their members and setting a powerful example,” she said.
“The TAC Club Rewards Program is part of the TAC’s 33-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.”
Successful clubs can use the money for education programs, club transport initiatives, new equipment and uniforms with the rewards allocated based on the demonstrated efforts of the clubs.
Three clubs received the maximum $10,000 grant: Sebastopol Football Netball Club, Garfield Football Netball Club and Cheltenham Football Club.
Head of AFL Victoria Greg Madigan said grassroots football clubs are often the heart of local communities, meaning they are a great platform to promote behaviour change and awareness
“Particularly for our regional communities, footballers cover hundreds of kilometres on the road each season, travelling to and from games and training, so road safety needs to be front of mind for us all,” he said.
“Throughout this football season, many of our clubs have demonstrated a significant commitment to promoting road safety and education, and on behalf of AFL Victoria I am thrilled to see those clubs rewarded for their efforts through the TAC Club Rewards Program.”
Coldstream Football Club were contacted for comment.
