WorkSafe celebrates 25 seasons supporting country footy

Since 2002, WorkSafe has visited 133 local clubs across Victoria as part of its annual Country Club Series, co-hosting activations, workshops, training nights and a traditional match day celebration.

This year’s 25th season kicks off later this month at Mount Beauty Recreation Reserve with a match between Dederang-Mt Beauty and Mitta United on Saturday 28 March.

WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said the milestone reflects a long-standing commitment to keep regional Victorians safe both on and off the field.

“Country footy is powered by hard working Victorians. The same people playing or volunteering on weekends are often working in high-risk industries during the week,” Mr Jenkin said.

“Through our club visits, safety grants and community activations, we’re reinforcing a simple message – working safe is a team sport, and WorkSafe is here to help you so you can keep doing the things you love outside work like playing, coaching and supporting your local club.”

Since the beginning of the partnership, WorkSafe has provided 192 Club Safety Fund improvement grants, helping local clubs upgrade their facilities and improve safety for players, volunteers and supporters.

WorkSafe also runs an annual Footy’s Favourite Farmer competition, which highlights the significant contributions farmers make to country footy and their local community, while providing an opportunity to win thousands of dollars in safety upgrades for both their clubs and farms.

Former AFL premiership star and WorkSafe ambassador Tom Boyd said country football and netball are the heartbeat of rural Victoria and it’s the one place farming communities can come together each week to catch up.

“At the Country Club Week events, I often see the incredible connection farmers have with each other – sharing their problems and offering solutions to each other’s challenges.

“Regional clubs are where lifelong connections are built which is why protecting the people who make these clubs what they are – both on and off the field – really matters.”

Head of AFL Victoria Greg Madigan thanked WorkSafe for its loyal support of country football for more than two decades.

“Since 2002, country footy has grown and evolved significantly, especially in the women and girls’ space, and we are proud to have partnered with WorkSafe all these years to continue improving safety, education and resources for our country football communities.”

WorkSafe will also visit Warracknabeal, Tarwin Lower, Orbost, Hawkesdale and Koroit for Country Club Weeks in 2026 – continuing a quarter-century commitment to supporting country sport and the people behind it.