WorkSafe Marks 25 Years Backing Safer Country Footy Communities

WorkSafe Victoria is celebrating a major milestone in 2026, marking 25 seasons of its Country Club Series, which has seen safety brought to the heart of regional football and netball communities since 2002.

Over that time, WorkSafe has visited 133 local clubs across Victoria, co-hosting safety activations, information sessions, training nights and traditional match day events that promote strong work health and safety practices on and off the field.

The 25th season will kick off later this month at Mount Beauty Recreation Reserve, where Dederang-Mt Beauty will take on Mitta United on Saturday 28 March, with WorkSafe on hand to engage players, volunteers and supporters in practical safety conversations.

WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said the milestone highlights a long-term commitment to protecting regional Victorians in their workplaces and at their local sporting clubs.

"Country footy is powered by hard-working Victorians. The same people running water, coaching or working the canteen on weekends are often employed in high-risk industries during the week," Mr Jenkin said.

"Through our club visits, safety grants and community activations, we are reinforcing a simple message – working safe is a team effort. With the right WHS management systems, policies and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) in place, people can go home safely and keep enjoying the things they love, like playing, coaching and supporting their local club."

Since the partnership began, WorkSafe has awarded 192 Club Safety Fund improvement grants, enabling local clubs to upgrade facilities and improve safety for players, volunteers and spectators. These upgrades often support better risk management, from safer changerooms and lighting to improved traffic and crowd management arrangements.

The annual Footy’s Favourite Farmer competition is another key feature of WorkSafe’s regional engagement. The program showcases the vital role farmers play in country footy and their local communities, while providing opportunities for clubs and farming families to win funding for critical safety improvements both at the club and on the farm.

Former AFL premiership player and WorkSafe ambassador Tom Boyd said country football and netball remain central to the social fabric of rural Victoria.

"In farming communities, the local club is often where everyone comes together each week," Mr Boyd said.

"At Country Club Week events, you see farmers and community members connecting, sharing their challenges and helping each other find solutions. These clubs build lifelong connections, which is why it is so important to protect the people who make them what they are – whether they are out on the ground, on the boundary line or behind the scenes."

Head of AFL Victoria Greg Madigan acknowledged WorkSafe’s long-standing support of country football and netball across the state.

"Since 2002, country footy has grown and evolved significantly, particularly in women’s and girls’ competitions," Mr Madigan said.

"We are proud to have partnered with WorkSafe for more than two decades to strengthen safety, education and resources for country football communities. Together we have helped embed better safety practices that benefit clubs, workplaces and families."

In 2026, WorkSafe will continue its quarter-century commitment to regional sport by visiting Warracknabeal, Tarwin Lower, Orbost, Hawkesdale and Koroit as part of its Country Club Weeks schedule. These visits will further encourage clubs to review and improve their WHS policies and procedures, and to consider how formal WHS management systems and documented SWMS can support safer operations around club facilities, maintenance and events.

Clubs seeking to strengthen their work health and safety framework can access industry-focused WHS management systems and SWMS templates through specialist providers such as Bluesafe and Bluesafe SWMS resources.

For further information about WorkSafe’s involvement in country sport or media enquiries, contact the WorkSafe Victoria media team via email at media@worksafe.vic.gov.au or phone 0438 786 968.