Hawks reiterate importance of road safety

THE Drysdale Hawks have re-emphasised the importance of road safety, with AFL Barwon participants again taking part in the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Road Safety Round over the weekend.

Drysdale FNC administrator Kerry Bell highlighted the importance of road safety for the Drysdale community, having a personal connection to road trauma in previous years.

“We’ve got a lot of members impacted by road trauma,” she said.

“And it is important that we stop players, coaches, and officials from rushing to and from training and games.”

Drysdale lost one of their players, 19-year-old Luke Robinson, in a car accident on Anakie Road in March 2010.

Bell described Luke as a very responsible member of the club who always looked to help his teammates travel to games.

“He would always offer his teammates lifts home, it was just very unfortunate,” Bell said.

“His story shows how things can change in a moment, but the really impactful part is the ripple effect not just on the individual but on their families, friends, and their clubs as a whole.”

The tragic loss encouraged Drysdale to continue applying for the TAC Rewards Program, this year’s consisting of a $600,000 funding pool.

In 2022, the club used its funding to launch their junior umpire academy, providing opportunities for local youth to learn about and experience umpiring.

In 2023, the club provided funding for new wellbeing support and tools by working with Mindful Aus, who provided guest speakers and workshops.

Should Drysdale be successful in securing funding in 2024, it will put the money towards a new digital database, allowing players and club staff to log and track player’s injuries.

Bell encouraged other clubs around the region to continue participating in Road Safety Round.

“The messaging is to jump onboard, and get behind the cause, tell us your stories, they are very on board with it,” she said.

“Even if it saves one 18-year-old, it’s worth it.”

To apply for the TAC Club Rewards program, which close on August 25, head to tac.vic.gov.au/about-the-tac/community/grants/tac-club-rewards-program