Country Club series set for return

FOOTBALL matches promoting sport and safe work in farming communities is back in the region this season.

On Monday it was announced the WorkSafe Country Club series would include the Loddon Valley Football League round 10 clash between Marong and Maiden Gulley on 17 June.

“The WorkSafe Country Club games put the focus on the heartbeat of country football – the clubs and people that are the foundation of the game,” said head of AFL Victoria, Ben Kavenagh.

“The games are also a fantastic and highly effective way to spread the message of workplace safety to the vast football community across regional Victoria.”

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.

“Farmers are a humble bunch but their contribution to local communities, both on-farm and at their local sports club, deserves recognition,” said Victorian Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Danny Pearson.

“We are proud to support a program that brings country communities together and makes farms safer for workers across the agriculture sector.”

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.

“In places like Dartmoor where I grew up, the local footy club is literally the lifeblood of the town, so it’s fantastic to see farmers across the state get the chance to see their name up in lights,” said Cameron.

Six finalists will be announced from May until July with the WorkSafe Footy’s Favourite Farmer revealed on Monday, 21 August.

Nominations are open until Wednesday, 26 July at countryclubhub.com.au.

A match between Rochester and Echuca played last Saturday was also part of the series.