Rewarded for road safety commitment

By Matt Romania

Road safety is a pressing concern in Victoria. As the year progresses, we’ve already witnessed over 236 individuals lose their lives on our roads. Over half of these fatalities have occurred in regional areas. By the end of October, the Moorabool Shire had sadly lost three of its residents to road accidents in 2023.

Addressing this critical issue, two local sports clubs have actively campaigned for road safety within their communities and have been acknowledged for their efforts. Darley Junior Football Netball Club (Darley JFNC) received a grant of $4,300, while Ballan Football and Netball Club was awarded $800. Both these allocations were part of the 2023 TAC Club Rewards Program, an initiative coordinated with AFL Victoria.

Marty Weaver, President of Darley Junior FNC said they would like to thank the TAC for their continued support of our Club over the past few years.

“We had fun promoting the key road safety message which was the ‘TAC BeSAFE Program’ where we encouraged all L Platers to regularly drive to their games to ensure safer driving as they transition to their P Plates,” he said.

By championing the TAC BeSAFE Program, the club has made a significant push for safe driving habits, especially among younger, new drivers. The awarded funds are anticipated to have a transformative effect at Darley Junior FNC.

“Our Junior Female Football is a growth area within our Club, and we are very committed to grow and develop our junior female footballers. Now that the BFLW are introducing an extra side (U12) to the competition for Season 2024, being a successful recipient means more now, as we will be able to purchase new jumpers, assist the coaches with support and equipment for training and game days.”

Discussing the plans for utilising the grant, the next step for Darley Junior FC will be to regroup as a committee including the coaches, to discuss how the $4,300 will be applied to their Junior Female Football area of growth.

“It will include Jumpers, Equipment, Development Clinics and a recruitment drive for more Junior Girls of the Moorabool Community to become part of an amazing Club for the 2024 Season.”

The club said the new funds can provide quality and credible development to young girls of the Moorabool community to participate in a great sport that is growing fast.

TAC CEO, Tracey Slatte said road trauma has a significant ripple effect and there’s no denying the power of peer-to-peer support and education at sporting club level.

“These clubs should be proud of their efforts to create a culture that prioritises road safety.”

Ballan FNC were contacted for comment.