Rutherglen to host WorkSafe Country Club Game on North East Border

The WorkSafe Country Club Series continues at the North East Border this weekend, with the Rutherglen Football and Netball Club hosting AFL Victoria’s country footy feature event for the round.

The WorkSafe match will run alongside Rutherglen’s Donatelife Awareness Round against Tallangatta Football Netball Club. The annual organ donation awareness round is a big day on the Rutherglen calendar each year, following a car accident that took the lives of a senior netballer and junior coach.

Rutherglen President Greg Lumby said is appreciative to have WorkSafe supporting a such an important day on the local footy calendar.

“Jess donated her organs to others which saved many lives. This day is already close to our hearts, so to have WorkSafe onboard as well just adds to what will be a big week leading up and on game day,” he said.

The WorkSafe Country Club Game will put the Rutherglen community in the spotlight throughout the week, with a Tuesday night Sport and Life Training (SALT) mental health session provided for the two clubs by WorkSafe, along with visits from Western Bulldogs 2016 Premiership Player, Tom Boyd, and Melbourne Vixens players Gabby Coffey and Ruby Barkmeyer for Thursday night training and Maggie Caris on match day.

The WorkSafe Country Club Games initiative aims to champion regional communities and their volunteers, whilst serving as a platform for these football and netball clubs to promote the importance of workplace safety.

By taking part in the week, Rutherglen FNC will also receive a $5,000 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 our participants have a lot going on and fatigue and other decision making can creep in.”

“WorkSafe have 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.”

Western Bulldogs 2016 premiership player Tom Boyd is looking forward to his involvement in the week.

“Country footy and netball clubs are the heart of our regional towns here in Victoria, to be able to connect with these places, people and clubs is some of the best work that I get to do,” he said.

“These clubs are filled with such great people, and they are the perfect place to reinforce the mental component of getting home from work safely.”

“Cannot wait to get out to Rutherglen.”

This weekend will be the fourth of six WorkSafe Country Club Games for 2024. 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 from injury and harm at work.

Match details

Rutherglen vs. Tallangatta

Barkly Park, Rutherglen

Date: Saturday July 27

Time: 2:15pm

The match will be live streamed on the AFL Victoria Facebook page.

CLICK HERE for the full schedule of WorkSafe Country Club games in 2024.