Redan and Lake Wendouree Football Netball clubs are among more than 150 grassroots clubs across Victoria that will share in more than $1 million as a reward for playing their part in keeping our roads safe.

The Victorian Government will provide both clubs with $10,000 through the Transport Accident Commission’s Club Rewards Program aimed at supporting clubs that have promoted road safety throughout the season.

The rewards are a welcome boost to the grassroots clubs following major disruptions to the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to the pandemic limiting opportunities to raise funds.

AFL Victoria-affiliated clubs from across Victoria were able to apply for the program by showing their support to road safety throughout the season, including taking part in the TAC’s ‘Band Together’ campaign.

Redan and Lake Wendouree Football Netball clubs actively promoted road safety throughout their club on social media and during home games this season. Both clubs will use the funding to improve their home-ground facilities.

The TAC’s Club Reward Program is part of the TAC’s 30-year partnership with AFL Victoria and provides a platform to speak directly to Victorians travelling hundreds of kilometres on the state’s roads every year for training and games.

So far this year, 182 people have lost their lives on the state’s roads, compared with 169 at the same time last year, 16 of those deaths have been on roads in the Grampians region.

Hundreds of clubs took part in the campaign by making to social media to show they were wearing blue armbands for TAC’s Road Safety Round, despite the Round being cancelled due to COVID restrictions.

Clubs also shared personal stories of how road trauma had affected their club, including campaign ambassador St Kilda coach Brett Ratten.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“The TAC Club Rewards Program is a great opportunity to thank local clubs for promoting road safety and keeping their members and the community safe on our roads.”

“Thank you to the Redan and Lakers Football Netball Clubs for their efforts to make the roads safer for their members and everyone that uses the roads in our region. Road safety is everyone’s business.”

Quote attributable to Transport Accident Commission Head of Road Safety Samantha Cockfield

“It will come as no surprise that most clubs throughout the state have been affected by road trauma, we saw some really powerful conversations throughout this campaign that will encourage people to make safe decisions on our roads.”

Quote attributable to Head of AFL Victoria, Brad Scott

“TAC has been an incredible supporter of community football clubs in Victoria for decades and the Club Rewards Program is yet another major show of support – with clubs set to benefit tremendously with the financial boost.”