Gippsland sports clubs rally around road safety

THIS year marks 31 years of the TAC and AFL Victoria working together to speak to Victorians about road safety in order to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the roads.

Across the region, all clubs in the Gippsland, Alberton, Ellinbank District, Mid Gippsland, North Gippsland, West Gippsland, East Gippsland and Omeo District leagues took part in Road Safety Round.

With all clubs coaches, players and supporters donning a blue armband to show their commitment to eliminating death and serious injury on the region’s roads.

The armbands were used to raise awareness and encourage community discussion, paying homage to the black armbands traditionally worn on the field to honour a death in the community.

The blue armbands are a reminder that everyone has someone to drive safely for so road safety impacts everyone, as AFLV CEO Ben Kavenagh explained.

“Across the state, we know that our players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters are spending a huge amount of time driving to and from training and matches, often at night, in the wet, on country roads or after a long day at work.”

So far this year, 10 people have lost their lives in the Gippsland region and in 2021, a total of 24 people died on the region’s roads.

Everyone, whether they are affiliated with a club or not, is encouraged to promote the TAC and AFL Victoria Road Safety Round across relevant media channels within the club, outside of the club and on social media.

The idea is to promote messages that help the club and community understand what the round is about, and encourage everyone to wear the armband, as well as share their own personal reason for wearing it on social media through the QR code on the band.

West Gippsland Football Netball competition operations manager Brandon Milburn supports the special round.

“The WGFNC are fully behind Road Safety Round,” he said.

Anyone attending, playing or getting involved with football and netball matches this weekend is encouraged to wear a blue armband and join the conversation towards road safety.

Armbands can be picked up local clubs or accessed online where they can be downloaded and printed.