Local football and netball clubs are being encouraged to apply for road safety grants as part of the TAC Club Rewards Programs.
Clubs have the opportunity to earn up to $10,000 in funding by promoting road safety to their community.
The grants are now on offer for all AFL Victoria aligned clubs across Victoria.
Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath said road safety was an important issue that needed ongoing discussion.
“Road safety is about creating awareness, teaching people to drive to conditions and helping drivers to understand dangers involved,” Ms Bath said.
“Unfortunately, our country roads are not maintained to the same standard as metropolitan roads and young people travelling long distances are at risk each time they get in the car to attend sport.
“It’s important to be proactively talking about the issues of speed, drink driving, fatigue, distractions, vehicle safety and young drivers through our local sporting clubs.”
Local clubs will have the chance to implement a program that they run each year to keep players, volunteers and officials informed around road safety.
Ms Bath said it was a great way to help young people learn about risks and become better drivers.
“There are lots of initiatives clubs could deliver including information nights, posters, social media, mentoring of young drivers, shuttle buses, designated driver incentives, scoreboard messaging and hosting a road safety round,” Ms Bath said.
“Clubs are only limited by their imagination to promote awareness of road safety, and all these initiatives help the club get in the running for a $10,000 grant.
“I look forward to seeing our local football netball clubs embrace the road safety messaging and encourage our dedicated community volunteers to host a Road Safety round this year.”
The grants can be used for program delivery, new equipment and uniforms.
Applications for the TAC Club Rewards Programs 2022 can be submitted online at aflvic.smartygrants.com.au/2022TACRewardsProgram
