Bendigo, VIC – Victorian grassroots football and netball clubs that promote road safety in their communities have an opportunity to share in $700,000 thanks to the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Club Rewards Program.
The Victorian Government and the TAC today kicked off this year’s program, which aims to empower clubs to develop a culture where all players and members are expected to be safe on the roads.
Now in its sixth year, the TAC Club Rewards Program allows AFL Victoria-affiliated football and netball clubs to apply for rewards of up to $10,000 to spend on club initiatives like club transport, new equipment and uniforms, or facility upgrades.
A further $100,000 has been added to this year’s funding pool available to support more clubs in spreading the message, up from $600,000 last year.
More than 230 clubs earned a share of last year’s pool. Many had been motivated to take part having had their clubs devastated by losing a club member to road tragedy.
As part of this year’s program, clubs will be asked to start conversations and be part of the campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding, with the tagline – “Be the difference”.
AFL Gippsland’s Lucknow Football Netball Club and AFL Barwon’s Western Eagles Football Netball Club were last year’s top recipients, rewarded for their impressive social media campaigns, road safety-themed initiatives like ‘Deso Discounts’ and peer-to-peer videos, and major events featuring club people who’d been personally affected by road trauma.
The TAC Club Rewards Program is part of the TAC’s more than 30-year partnership with AFL Victoria. The partnership has been extended until 2027, adding to a commitment to tackle road safety through grassroots football and netball clubs for years to come.
More information on the Club Rewards Program can be found at tac.vic.gov.au/about-the-tac/community/grants/tac-club-rewards-program.
Quote attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne:
“Last year we supported more than 230 grassroots clubs for shining a light on road safety. We want more clubs to get involved this year to ensure every journey on Victoria’s roads is a safe one.”
Quote attributable to TAC CEO, Tracey Slatter:
“Footballers and netballers often drive hundreds of kilometres every year, travelling to and from training and matches, so road safety is something that needs to be front of mind.”
Quote attributable to Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan:
“Grassroots football clubs are full of leaders. Now is the chance for everyone to Be The Difference by becoming road safety ambassadors, making safe decisions and acting as role models to their fellow members.”
The full media release can be viewed HERE
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For media inquiries, please contact: jay.cathrine@aflcentralvic.com.au