L-R: Kolora Club President, Mark Wyss, Kolora Senior playing coaches - Justin Wallace and Sam Uwland, Kolora Senior Captain - Aaron Robertson, Timboon Senior Captain - Ash Hunt, Timboon Senior Coach - Andrew Hargreaves, Timboon Club President - Michael Hunt. Image: Timboon FNC
The WorkSafe Country Club Series is back in the Western District for a second time this year, with the Timboon Demons Football and Netball Club (FNC) hosting AFL Victoria’s country footy feature event for the round against Kolora-Noorat FNC this Saturday.
A small rural town in Victoria’s southwest, Timboon was recognised as the 2024 TAC Victorian ‘Top Tiny Tourism Town’, a testament to its strong community spirit.
Timboon has deep ties to the agricultural sector, with a significant portion of the community employed directly or indirectly in farming-related industries. Farming remains central to the local economy, as the town continues to grow, creating new opportunities for businesses and employment.
Given the inherent safety risks in agriculture work, WorkSafe’s presence in Timboon is vital to reinforce the importance of workplace safety.
This weekend, the WorkSafe Country Club Game will showcase the community's passion in a highly anticipated clash, after Timboon emerged with a 24-point victory when they last met in Round 6 this year.
The WorkSafe Country Club Games initiative aims to champion regional communities and their volunteers, whilst serving as a platform for supporting these football and netball clubs to promote the importance of workplace safety.
By taking part in the week, Timboon FNC also receive a financial contribution from WorkSafe, along with new footballs, netballs and goal post padding to support the club.
Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan, said that the week is 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.
“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 teammates, and we want to see Victorians bring that same approach to safety at work,” Mr West said.
“Safety should never be a solo effort – and we want farmers, even those who work alone, to partner with WorkSafe to help avoid unnecessary time on the sidelines with a workplace injury.”
This weekend will be the fifth of six WorkSafe Country Club Games for 2025, and 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.
MATCH DETAILS
Timboon Demons vs. Kolora-Noorat
Location: Timboon Recreation Reserve
Date: Saturday 26 July
Time: 2:20pm