Football
21 June, 2025
WorkSafe message heads to Wimmera
As Ararat hit the road to take on Nhill at home today there will be more than just four premiership points at stake: this weekend's fixture has been designated part of the AFL's WorkSafe Country Club Games.
As the third match in the statewide series, the clash at Nhill & District Sporting Club has put the local community in the spotlight in the lead-up with visits by Western Bulldogs 2016 premiership player Tom Boyd and members of the Melbourne Vixens this week.
The WorkSafe Country Club Games initiative aims to champion regional communities and their volunteers while serving as a platform for supporting football and netball clubs to promote the importance of workplace safety.
By taking part in the week's activities, Nhill has qualified to receive a financial contribution from WorkSafe along with new footballs, netballs and goal-post padding.
Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan, said the week was "a terrific opportunity for the local community to come together and remind each other of why it’s important to keep each other safe at work".
“We know that our country footy participants have a lot going on off the field, often working physical and sometimes dangerous jobs, and that’s why it is so important for these communities to look out for each other and protect their health and safety," Madigan said.
“WorkSafe has been a tremendous supporter of Victorian country footy for more than 20 years now, and the relevance is as clear as ever: stay safe at work, and we’ll all keep coming to the footy on a Saturday to enjoy a kick and spending time with our mates and families.”
WorkSafe chief executive officer Ashley West said the community spirit of country sporting clubs had set a winning example for regional workplaces to follow.
“The best players know they need to look out for their team mates and we want to see Victorians bring that same approach to safety at work,” West said.
“Safety should never be a solo effort.
"We want farmers – even those who work alone – to partner with WorkSafe to help avoid unnecessary time on the sidelines with a workplace injury.”
By focusing on agricultural communities where risks of injury are heightened, WorkSafe aims to build connections and deliver essential safety guidance to safeguard at-risk Victorians.
This weekend's Nhill v Ararat match will be the third of six WorkSafe Country Club games for 2025.
It will kick off at 2.20pm at Davis Park, Nhill.