Tallygaroopna and Avenel Football Netball Clubs have scored cash through the grants scheme, rolled out in partnership between AFL Victoria and WorkSafe Victoria, among 22 other clubs across the state.
The $5000 handout aims to provide financial assistance to make safety improvements and facilities, and to assist with occupational health and safety initiatives for players, volunteers and spectators.
Head of AFL Victoria Ben Kavenagh congratulated the clubs on the successful applications.
“The WorkSafe Club Safety Fund is just one of the many ways WorkSafe supports our regional and rural clubs,” he said.
“We thank them for helping to ensure that the safety of our players, supporters and environments is always top of mind.
“Providing safe, welcoming and inclusive environments where communities come together is of paramount importance, and this program continues to help local football clubs throughout country Victoria.”
Avenel and Tallygaroopna were required to provide evidence that a grant was needed to make their facilities safer and show evidence that an occupational health and safety or risk management program was being implemented.
The Swans and Redlegs join a 300-plus strong list of clubs across Victoria to dip into the WorkSafe Club Safety Fund since it began in 2002, according to executive director of external affairs Sam Jenkin.
“Country football netball clubs are at the heart of regional communities, and WorkSafe is proud of its long history of supporting local clubs to improve safety,” Mr Jenkin said.
“WorkSafe is dedicated to keeping people safe at work, so they can enjoy the things they love — whether that’s playing football, volunteering as an official or just getting along to support your local team.”
To learn more about WorkSafe and AFL Victoria’s more than two-decade partnership, visit: https://www.aflvic.com.au/worksafe-afl-victoria-country
The next round of funding available through the WorkSafe Club Safety Fund will be released in 2024.