AFL road safety grants program kicks off

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Grassroots football and netball clubs across the state, including those in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, can apply for a share of $600,000 to improve their club as part of an annual road safety rewards grants program.

The state government and Transport Accident Commission (TAC) have kicked off this year’s TAC Club Rewards program, which encourages local clubs to promote road safety to members during the season.

Now in its fifth year, the 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.

So far this year, 121 people have died on Victoria’s roads and more than half of those deaths have happened in regional areas, where tens of thousands of local footballers and netballers travel for games and training.

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 – ‘Show up for your team. Slow down on the road’.

The TAC Club Rewards Program is part of the TAC’s more than 30-year partnership with AFL Victoria, which aims to empower clubs to develop a culture where all players and members are expected to be safe on the roads.

Roads and Road Minister Safety Melissa Horne said last year the state government supported more than 250 grassroots clubs for shining a light on road safety.

“… and we want more clubs to get on board this year to help ensure more Victorians can get home to their loved ones safely,” she said.

Information: tac.vic.gov.au/about-the-tac/community/grants/tac-club-rewards-program.