TAC FUNDING PROGRAM RETURNS TO BENEFIT VIC FOOTY CLUBS
One of the biggest funding programs benefiting grassroots footy in Victoria is back in 2023, with community clubs given the opportunity to share in $600,000 of investment through the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Club Rewards Program.
Pictured above: Rumbalara FNC President Josh Atkinson (left) and the TAC’s Head of Road Safety Samantha Cockfield in Rumbalara on May 1, 2023
The program is a key feature of the TAC’s 32-year partnership with AFL Victoria and rewards football clubs in metropolitan and country regions with up to $10,000 for their efforts to promote road safety in their clubs and local communities. 150 clubs were recipients of funding through the program last year.
Launched at the Rumbalara Football Netball Club in Shepparton, the program has provided more than $2.3 million over the past four years to hundreds of Victorian football and netball clubs, which has helped with a range of initiatives, including facility improvements, the purchase of new equipment, training for members and offering safe transport from club events.
Head of AFL Victoria, Ben Kavenagh, said: “AFL Victoria and the TAC have been proud partners for 32 years now, and this investment is another tremendous show of support for community football by the TAC.
“There have been 107 lives lost on Victoria’s roads this year already, and it’s an unfortunate reality that most grassroots football and netball clubs across the state have been affected by road trauma in some way.
“Our footballers can cover hundreds of kilometres on the roads every year as they travel to and from training and games, so road safety is something that we all need to be thinking about. The TAC Club Rewards Program is a great way for clubs to encourage these important conversations to keep each other safe.”
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said: “Victoria’s grassroots football and netball clubs have strong community connections and a culture of looking out for their teammates.
“This partnership allows us to reward clubs that proactively promote road safety throughout the season, injecting much-needed support for club initiatives, while they help to keep our roads safe.”
TAC’s Head of Road Safety Samantha Cockfield: “Too many people have died on our roads this year, and we know that distracted driving is a key and prevalent issue among young to middle-aged drivers, thousands of whom spend many hours at local sporting clubs every week.
“Victoria’s football and netball clubs are often at the heart of their communities and prioritising road safety within local clubs could be the reason someone gets home safely, instead of a tragic alternative.”
This year for the TAC Club Rewards Program, we are encouraging clubs and their communities to take part in a key road safety survey. This activity will help TAC understand more about perceptions, behaviour, and challenges across Victoria.
The survey is open between 17 May and 2 July and will take around 10 minutes. Participants nominate their club from the drop-down menu – activity which will be recognised in their Club Rewards Program application - and in addition, puts the club into the draw to win a $1,000 Sherrin voucher
There is an initial survey, and a short follow up 2 weeks after completion.
SURVEY LINK HERE: https://survey.wallis.social/wix/5/p788475202635.aspx?clubs=828
The TAC’s AFL Victoria Club Rewards Program will be open for applications until August and more information is available at www.aflvic.com.au/TACClubRewards
Download the 2023 TAC Club Rewards Program Information Booklet, & AFL Vic Club Rewards Asset Pack ⏬
