THE Shepparton Football Netball Club (SFNC) has announced its participation in this year’s TAC Club Rewards Program, an initiative aimed at promoting road safety within grassroots football and netball communities.
Going beyond the sidelines, the program encourages clubs to champion safer roads. SFNC President Brendan Bicknell said,
“As a club deeply connected to our community, we have a responsibility that goes beyond game day. We want to ensure that every player, coach, volunteer, and supporter gets home safely. Road safety is everyone’s game.”
With speeding as the key focus for 2025, the initiative highlights that driving just 5 km/h over the speed limit increases the risk of a crash by a staggering 44 per cent. Speed-related crashes currently account for over 30 per cent of road fatalities and 25 per cent of serious injuries on Victorian roads.
To learn more about the TAC Club Rewards Program and how SFNC is getting involved, follow the club on social media.
As part of the program, AFL Victoria–aligned clubs like SFNC have the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 in funding by demonstrating meaningful efforts to promote road safety. SFNC is planning a range of educational campaigns, events, and activations throughout the 2025 season to support this mission.
“This is not just about funding. It’s about changing behaviour. It’s about slowing down, being alert, and looking after each other — not just as teammates, but as mates behind the wheel,” Bicknell said.
In line with this commitment, SFNC will run awareness campaigns on the dangers of speeding, fatigue, distracted driving, drink driving, and unsafe vehicle choices.
The club will also take part in the annual TAC Road Safety Round (July 21–27) and encourage all members to participate in the TAC’s road safety survey and social media initiatives such as #TACSloMo and #BandTogether.
“Every single one of us has a part to play. We’ll be using our platform — on and off the field — to share powerful messages that could save lives. Because one death on our roads is one too many,” Bicknell said.
