Supporting local football netball clubs to end road trauma

Published date: 18 May 2022

The Victorian Government is rewarding community sporting clubs who promote road safety, to help prevent death and serious injury on Victorian roads.

After a successful launch in 2021, the Transport Accident Commission Club Rewards Program is giving grassroots football and netball clubs that have shown a continued effort in promoting road safety, the opportunity to earn a share of $500,000.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll visited Shepparton today to launch the program, which is delivered in partnership with AFL Victoria.

So far this year, 94 people have lost their lives on Victorian roads, with 57 of those in regional areas – a concerning increase on the 42 regional road deaths at the same time last year.

There has also been a concerning rise is the number of young people dying on Victorian roads, with the number of deaths in the 18-25 age group currently at 19, compared to 10 this time last year.

The TAC Club Rewards Program encourages AFL Victoria-affiliated clubs to educate their younger players and members, and raise awareness of the dangers associated with speed, drink/drug driving, fatigue, and distractions.

Through the program last year, the Labor Government provided $1.3 million to clubs across the state, with more than 150 local football and netball clubs rewarded for their efforts.

Registrations are now open, and clubs will have until 12 August to submit their applications.

A team of road safety experts from the TAC and representatives from AFL Victoria will review applications and reward clubs that exhibit a sustained effort in promoting road safety in their clubs and communities.

For information on the program and how to apply, please visit https://www.aflvic.com.au/tacclubrewards

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll

“The influence of local football and netball clubs in Victorian communities is far reaching, and the impact they can have in promoting road safety is huge.”

“Unfortunately, many local sporting clubs across Victoria will have experienced the impact of road trauma firsthand. This is an opportunity to speak to the community and hopefully prevent these tragedies in future.”

Quote attributable to Transport Accident Commission CEO Joe Calafiore

“Local football and netball clubs are central to Victorian communities, and we urge them to use their platform to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of their members.”

Quote attributable to Head of AFL Victoria Ben Kavenagh

“Our message and belief is clear – we, as community football people, can all have a meaningful impact in bringing incidents of road trauma down and the TAC Club Rewards Program is a terrific avenue to drive that positive change.”