Hawks push road safety message

THE Drysdale Football Club is encouraging grassroots clubs to advocate for road safety this season for their chance at winning up to $10,000.

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and AFL Victoria Club Rewards initiative aims to empower clubs to develop a culture where all players and members are expected to be safe on the roads.

Drysdale received $10,000 last year by hosting a series of road safety workshops and by wearing blue armbands during TAC Road Safety Round.

The club used its funds to build a new junior umpiring program in Drysdale, and continue to host mental health and wellbeing sessions for its younger members.

President Trevor Hume said without the TAC and AFL Victoria partnership, there would be no way the club could support these new initiatives.

“It [the funding] been very important for our club and the wider community.

“The mental wellbeing and umpiring side of things were both key focus areas for us, and we are thrilled the funding helped us to achieve some of our goals in this space.

“The process has also led to us establishing a club and community wellbeing committee who are now leading the charge for us with this year’s TAC initiatives at the club.”

This year, clubs will be asked to start conversations on road safety by raising awareness of the dangers of speeding, with the tagline ‘Show up for your team. Slow down on the road’.

“We definitely recommend applying to other clubs,” he said.

“Not only do you have the opportunity to provide something for your club, but you’re also championing road safety along the way.

“It brings a big boost to the community. It certainly has in Drysdale.”

For more information on the Club Rewards Program, head to tac.vic.gov.au/about-the tac/community/grants/tac-club-rewards-program