FOOTBALL matches promoting sport and safe work in farming communities is back in the region this season.<\/p>\n
On Monday it was announced the WorkSafe Country Club series would include the Central Highlands Football League round 16 clash on 12 August between Clunes and Bungaree at Bull Milgate Oval at Clunes.<\/p>\n
The aim of the series is to provide country football clubs with a week of educational activities and experiences, ending with the football match.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe WorkSafe Country Club games put the focus on the heartbeat of country football \u2013 the clubs and people that are the foundation of the game,\u201d said head of AFL Victoria, Ben Kavenagh.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe games are also a fantastic and highly effective way to spread the message of workplace safety to the vast football community across regional Victoria.\u201d<\/p>\n
There is the opportunity to nominate a farmer who is involved in local football or netball for the chance to win $10,000 to go towards farm safety upgrades and a further $10,000 for upgrades to the club.<\/p>\n
\u201cFarmers are a humble bunch but their contribution to local communities, both on-farm and at their local sports club, deserves recognition,\u201d said Victorian Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Danny Pearson.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are proud to support a program that brings country communities together and makes farms safer for workers across the agriculture sector.\u201d<\/p>\n
Geelong player Jeremy Cameron and Essendon captain Zach Merrett are helping promote the WorkSafe Country Club series having both started their career journeys at rural football clubs.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn places like Dartmoor where I grew up, the local footy club is literally the lifeblood of the town, so it\u2019s fantastic to see farmers across the state get the chance to see their name up in lights,\u201d said Cameron.<\/p>\n
Six finalists will be announced from May until July with the WorkSafe Footy\u2019s Favourite Farmer revealed on Monday, 21 August.<\/p>\n