The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath is encouraging locals to nominate a local football playing farmer for – ‘Footy’s Favourite Farmer’.
The Country Club Hub has recently launched an online competition for local footy’s favourite farmer. There are tens of thousands of prizes on offer to support safety on the farm, the farmers’ home football netball club and the individual.
“Eastern Victoria region is proud agriculture region producing world class food and fibre, it also happens to be a region that’s passionate about grassroots football,” said Ms Bath.
“Given agriculture is one of our main industries, there should be an abundance of local’s who could be nominated.
“While this is a fun competition, the initiative is all about highlighting the importance of farm safety.
“Statistics tell us Australian farms are the most dangerous workplaces in the country.
“Growing up on a Gippsland dairy farm, I understand that the health, wellbeing and safety of farmers, their families, and employees is vital.
“Our agriculture workers face many physical and mental pressures each and every day, especially given the labour shortages being experienced in the industry.
“Farmers encounter high-risk situations, operating heavy machinery, handling animals, and using agricultural chemicals – often in remote locations.
“Any initiative that shines a spotlight on the importance of farm safety and celebrates young men and women working more safely in agriculture is positive.”
Ms Bath said our farmers and their workers do not seek to draw attention to themselves, however this is for a good cause.
“The Nationals back our farmers and think they’re incredibly deserving of any award given the important role they play in clothing and feeding us.
“If you have a farmer playing football at your local club, I encourage you to nominate them to help to shine a spotlight on farm safety – think of your nomination as a way of saying thank you to our valued primary producers”.
Nominations for ‘Footy’s Favourite Farmer’ can be made online at countryclubhub.com.au/. Entries close on 26 July, following the conclusion of Farm Safety Week 2023.
The major prize, sponsored by Worksafe is $10,000 towards safety improvements for the winning farmers’ property and $10,000 towards safety improvements for the winning farmers’ football netball club. Monthly prizes will also be awarded.
