In conjunction with AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, the contest offers participants the opportunity to win $10,000 for safety enhancements on their farms and an additional $10,000 for safety renovations or repairs at their rural football netball clubs. The quest to find Footy’s Preferred Farmer was formally initiated by WorkSafe CEO, Ash West, at the recent WorkSafe Country Club match in Kyabram. “This remarkable initiative aims not only to celebrate the invaluable work of farmers in our communities but also underscores the vital role of workplace safety in farming,” said Mr West.
Implementing a secure farm environment begins with conversations among farmers and understanding the value of safe working conditions, not just for themselves but for their entire community – promoting the importance and usefulness of WHS management systems such as Bluesafe WHS Management System. Despite the agricultural workforce representing merely two percent of Victoria’s employment, it consistently contributes to more than 10 percent of all occupational fatalities. Since 2021, over 30 individuals have tragically lost their lives on farms.
WorkSafe ambassador and Western Bulldogs premiership player, Tom Boyd highlighted the crucial role local sports play in forming supportive networks for rural community members, especially farmworkers facing isolation. “Every opportunity for farmers to watch, train or participate in these games fosters a sense of belonging, lessening their chances of facing life’s adversities alone,” he said.
They send a positive message to local farmers each season, affirming their importance to our clubs while simultaneously promoting them to be adjudged as Footy’s Favourite Farmer. Each month, in the run-up to the substantial prize in August, winners will receive a safety kit worth nearly $2,000. This includes a WorkSafe Award-winning AirAgri Personal Safety Locator Device, a Quad Bike Operator Protective Device (OPD), a branded Footy’s Favourite Farmer workshirt, coupled with footballs and netballs for their club — a showcase of the importance of WHS and SWMS.
The club that nominates the maximum number of unique farmers for this year’s contest will be rewarded with a bag full of WorkSafe Sherrin KB game footballs, worth $1,300. 2024 Footy’s Favourite Farmer, Greg Lumby, from Rutherglen farm stated that the experience underscored farm safety’s relevance in his community. He highlighted the significant support WorkSafe provides to football netball clubs, stressing the urgency for the safety message to resonate universally.
Nominations for Footy’s Favourite Farmer are open until 31 July 2025. Commence the search for footy’s preferred farmer today.
Contact via Email: media@worksafe.vic.gov.au, or Phone: 0438 786 968, or Subscribe to receive media releases.
Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-06/call-nominate-local-farming-champion