IT WILL not just be premiership points on the minds of players, coaches and fans at matches across AFL Central Victoria’s leagues this weekend.
The TAC and AFL Victoria have joined forces to run Road Safety Round in a bid to cut the number of deaths and serious injuries on the highways and streets across the state.
Rolls of blue armbands have been sent to clubs as a mark of commitment to the cause.
“We’re asking all players to wear the bands on the field and courts this weekend, and that the club hand out the bands to supporters and the wider community, encouraging them to wear them too,” said Sam Skinner, Commercial, Media and Operations Manager for AFL Central Victoria.
“The more bands worn, the further the message will go.”
There are many reasons for wanting safer roads.
As part of the campaign, those who wear a band on their arm are urged to record a portrait video explaining their reason and share it on their socials using #tacbandtogether.
“Whether you’re wearing it because you have a young driver on the roads, you’ve lost someone in a crash on the roads, you want to protect your mates, or you simply want the community around you to get home safe, your personal video will help spread that message,” Skinner said.
To help your club promote the round, we’ve created various promotional assets including local press ads, 30 second radio ads, newsletters, web banners and social media content. All of these assets are available for you to use and can be accessed in the following dropbox link: https://bit.ly/3j1q91t
Clubs are also in the running to pocket $10,000 through the TAC Club Rewards Program by
spreading the message of road safety.
Through the TAC Club Rewards Program, $1.3 million will be invested to community football across Victoria.
It’s the 30th year the TAC and AFL Victoria has teamed up to promote road safety.
“The road safety message was important 30 years ago and will continue to be for the next 30,” said Brad Scott, Head of AFL Victoria.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll said the grants would be a huge bonus for clubs.
“Victoria’s grassroots football and netball clubs truly suffered with the cancellation of the 2020 season and, in turn, important fundraising events,” Mr Carroll said.
“This program is an exciting opportunity to reward the clubs that are passionate about road safety and dedicated to ensuring all of their members make it to and from the game safely,” he said.
Last year, 126 people died on regional Victorian roads, compared with 85 fatalities in metro areas.
People driving on Victoria’s country roads are travelling longer distances and at higher speeds, meaning when mistakes happen, consequences are often worse.
Submissions for the Club Rewards Program close on July 31.
Grant recipients will be announced in August.
Written by Nathan Dole.