The Victorian Government and Transport Accident Commission (TAC) announced the list of recipients of the TAC Club Rewards Program, which honours their efforts in road trauma prevention during the 2024 season.
"The TAC Club Rewards Program is one of the most important initiatives for community football clubs across the state, providing a fantastic avenue for clubs to actively contribute to the safety of their community and generate valuable funding in the process,” head of AFL Victoria Greg Madigan said.
Also included on the list of the 230-plus clubs receiving a share of the funds are Congupna, Kyabram Junior Football Club, Longwood, Murchison Toolamba, St Augustine’s Junior Football Club, Tallygaroopna Football Club, and Violet Town Football Netball Club.
Approximately 40 per cent of successful applications have come from regional Victoria, where serious road trauma risk is the highest.
Players, officials and supporters from regional clubs often travel long distances to get to training and games and their leadership is critical to preventing road trauma.
“Football and netball clubs are at the heart of our communities and we are fortunate to have so many grassroots clubs supporting our mission to prevent road trauma,” Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne said.
AFL Victoria-affiliated clubs from across the state were invited to apply for the program and display how well they supported road safety during the year, such as taking part in the TAC’s Road Safety Round.
Rewards were distributed based on the demonstrated efforts of the clubs.
“The power of peer-to-peer support, leadership and education cannot be underestimated – and I thank our local football and netball clubs for being road safety ambassadors and caring for their communities,” TAC’s Tracey Slatter said.
Successful clubs are able to put the money towards a range of initiatives; education programs, club transport, new equipment, uniforms and facility upgrades and improvements.
As part of this year’s program, participating clubs were asked to initiate conversations and be part of the campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding, with the tagline – ‘Show up for your team. Slow down on the road’.
Felix Harding is a Greater Shepparton Secondary College student who recently completed work experience with The News.
