Help Crown Footy’s Safest Farmer and Share in $20,000 of Prizes

A statewide competition run in partnership with AFL Victoria is offering $20,000 in prizes to recognise farmers who put safety first on their properties and in their local sporting communities.

The winning farmer will receive $10,000 to invest in farm safety upgrades, while a further $10,000 will go towards safety and facility improvements at their local football netball club. These funds can make a meaningful difference when integrated into a farm’s WHS management system or used to support formal safety policies and procedures at the club.

Last year’s winner, Royston "Doc" Nettleton from Orbost Snowy Rovers FNC, used the prize to deliver practical, on-the-ground safety improvements across both his dairy farm and the club.

"The club installed concrete guttering and kerbing alongside our netball courts to stop gravel washing onto the court in wet weather, which has eliminated a major slip hazard," Mr Nettleton said.

"We also replaced our farm’s old quad bike with a new side-by-side vehicle featuring full safety controls, including rollover protection. It has made my day-to-day work a lot safer and easier to manage within our overall safety plan."

Victorians are now being encouraged to nominate farmers who demonstrate strong safety leadership and deserve the title for 2026. Nominations can highlight how farmers use tools like Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), structured WHS management systems, or clear safety policies to protect workers, family members and visitors.

WorkSafe Chief Executive Officer Cathy Henderson said the competition shines a light on the critical role farmers play in regional communities, while reinforcing the need to manage risk in one of Victoria’s most hazardous industries.

"Agriculture represents about two per cent of the Victorian workforce, yet consistently accounts for around 10 per cent of workplace fatalities," Ms Henderson said.

"Prioritising safety in agriculture means farmers can keep turning up for what matters most – spending time with family and friends, and backing their communities through local sport."

In the lead-up to the major prize announcement in August, monthly winners will receive a safety pack worth almost $2,000. Each pack includes a WorkSafe Award-winning AirAgri personal safety locator device, a quad bike operator protective device (OPD), a Footy’s Favourite Farmer branded work shirt, as well as footballs and netballs for the club.

The club that submits the highest number of individual farmer nominations this year will also be rewarded, receiving a bag of WorkSafe Sherrin KB game footballs valued at $1,300.

Reflecting on his win, Mr Nettleton encouraged regional communities to get behind the initiative.

"I don’t do what I do for a pat on the back, but I’m proud to bring this home for the club and the community. Farming, footy and netball are all about looking out for each other and working as a team. If this helps keep a few more people safe, then it’s a win for all of us," he said.

"The prize money and support from WorkSafe and AFL Victoria has been incredible. We’ve made some significant safety improvements at the club and on my farm. If you know someone who deserves to be recognised, make sure you nominate them."

WorkSafe will visit Warracknabeal, Tarwin Lower, Orbost, Hawkesdale and Koroit as part of the remaining Country Club Weeks in 2026, marking 25 seasons of supporting country sport and the people who keep it going. These visits provide a valuable opportunity for clubs and farmers to seek guidance on practical safety measures, including how to integrate risk controls into farm WHS management systems and club safety policies. For clubs and businesses wanting ready-made, compliant documentation, resources such as WHS management systems and formal safety policies are available online through specialist providers like Bluesafe.

Entries for Footy’s Favourite Farmer are open until 31 July 2026. To learn more, nominate a local farming legend or seek media information, contact WorkSafe via email at media@worksafe.vic.gov.au or phone 0438 786 968.