The WorkSafe Club Safety Fund Returns for 2021

WorkSafe Victoria and AFL Victoria have officially launched the WorkSafe Club Safety Fund for 2021.

The WorkSafe Club Safety Fund provides financial assistance to country football/netball clubs to improve the safety of their grounds, or provide added security for players, officials, and spectators.

WorkSafe Victoria and AFL Victoria have always been dedicated to the health, safety and wellbeing of regional and rural communities, because when our workers are safe, we get to see them on the field and at the club.

This year will see the return of WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country Football, after a disrupted 2020 season. Over the past 18 years, WorkSafe has helped over 300 football clubs with funding and assistance and will continue to support local clubs through the WorkSafe Club Safety Fund.

Clubs can apply for funding of up to $5000 of support to assist with occupational health and safety initiatives.

Funding is available for safety initiatives including, but not limited to:

• Equipment to be purchased by the club that has the purpose of protecting the individual participants while actively engaged in the sport. (i.e. goal post padding, first aid kids, defibrillators, slip resistant flooring)
• Permanent or portable structures that provide shelter and or safety. (i.e. behind goal netting, shelter shed, shade sails, fireplace guards, fencing for walkways)
• Minor facility maintenance which presents an occupational health and safety hazard.

See below for the WorkSafe Club Safety Fund Guidelines for 2021

WorkSafe Victoria is committed to helping our country footy clubs thrive by ensuring their environments look after the health, safety, and well-being of all.

TO APPLY:  CLICK HERE.

Applications close on Sunday 9th of May.

To learn more about WorkSafe Victoria and tools to help you create a safe and healthy workplace, CLICK HERE.

WORKSAFE CLUB SAFETY FUND GUIDELINES 2021

Aim

The annual WorkSafe Club Safety Fund provides financial assistance to football and netball clubs to make improvements to the safety of their grounds or provide added safety for both players, volunteers, and spectators.

Objective

The objective of the WorkSafe Club Safety Fund is to provide financial support to assist with occupational health and safety initiatives at a club level.

Who Can Apply?

Country Football Clubs affiliated with WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country.

How Much Are the Grants?

• The WorkSafe Club Safety Fund provide grants of up to the value of 50% of the total quoted amount.
• The remaining 50% contribution can be a combination of club, sponsor or council contributions.
• The maximum funding amount is $5000 per application.
• Funds will be dispersed upon approval by WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country.

Please note: Special consideration may be made (at the discretion of WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country) to projects requiring additional financial support. Please make this known via the online application form.

Eligibility

• All country club applications, must provide evidence that a grant is needed to improve the safety of their grounds and surrounding buildings.
• Clubs must show that they have the appropriate WorkSafe signage around the club and that there is an Occupational Health and Safety, or Risk Management Program being implemented.
• Clubs must provide supplier quotes demonstrating cost for safety improvements.
• To obtain a quote for goal posts, please contact Sian Wooldridge via email on sian@pila.com.au or phone on1300007452.

Funding Categories

Funding is available for safety initiatives including, but not limited to:

• Equipment to be purchased by the Club that has the purpose of protecting the individual participants while actively engaged in the sport. (i.e. goal post padding, first aid kids, defibrillators, slip resistant flooring)
• Permanent or portable structures that provide shelter and or safety. (i.e. behind goal netting, shelter shed, shade sails, fireplace guards, fencing for walkways)
• Minor facility maintenance which presents an occupational health and safety hazard.

How to Apply

• Applications must be submitted via https://aflvic.smartygrants.com.au/WorkSafe_ClubSafetyFund
• Copies of all relevant documentation must be attached when submitting your application.
• Approved projects must be completed within the current funding period.
• WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country staff may be contacted for advice when preparing project outline.

Clubs successful in receiving funding are required to:

• Use the funds for the specified activity.
• Show that either council or club is providing up to 50% of the quoted amount.
• Notify WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country if the project has been cancelled and return all grants paid within 14 days.
• Be responsible for ensuring adequate insurance cover for any equipment purchased.
• Provide photographic evidence of WorkSafe signage at your club with completed application form.
• Complete an online acquittal form via Smarty Grants which must include an invoice addressed to AFL which covers your funded amount, before and after photographs and acknowledgement summary of the funded project once completed.
• Complete any evaluation required by the WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country.

Clubs will be required to document and capture the funded project though a variety of formats including:

• Photographs (before and after shots)
• Written feedback by relevant stakeholders•
• Telephone call with a WorkSafe stakeholder to discuss usage of the equipment.
• Commitment by club to promote Club Safety Grant via club communication channels
• Acknowledgement Summary – A statement confirming how the allocated funds have successfully been used for their desired purpose and the benefit to club and community
• Please note – Any club who applies to the Club Safety Fund thereby consents for WorkSafe and AFL Victoria to use any provided content for marketing purposes.

Expected Timeline

• Round One commences 29th March 2021 and concludes 9th May 2021
• Round Two will follow in June unless funds are exhausted prior to this date.
• Applications will only be assessed if all relevant information has been provided.
• Once you have submitted your application, you will be notified that your application has been received within 24 hours
• Approved applications will receive further information regarding funding requirements within five weeks after closing date.
• Unsuccessful applications will receive notification within five weeks after closing date.

Payments, Tax Invoices and GST

• Funding grants are subject to GST.
• The Association/Club will need to supply WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country with a valid tax invoice (receipt) with ABN for the approved funding amount including GST (if registered for GST), within 28 days of receipt of the grant. If not registered for GST please supply WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country with a valid tax invoice (receipt) with ABN with no GST within 28 days of receipt of the grant.
• If your Association/Club does not have an ABN WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country would be obliged to withhold 46.5%of the funded amount.
• Grants will be paid within 30 days of receipt of a valid tax invoice.

Contact

Please contact your AFL Victoria Regional Commission for support:

https://aflvic.com.au/about-us/contact-us/commissions/

If you have any questions or queries around the process feel free to contact Jessie Doull from AFL Victoria at jessie.doull@afl.com.au