WORKSAFE Victoria is on the hunt for "Footy's Favourite Farmer"- with a prize pool of over $20,000 up for grabs.
In collaboration with AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, WorkSafe is offering the state's farmers the chance to win $10,000 to spend on farm safety upgrades and an additional $10,000 for safety improvements or repairs at their country football and netball club. It is calling for nominations of Victorian farmers who work hard, look out for others and back their local footy and netball club.
WorkSafe chief executive officer, Ash West, launched the competition on the weekend at the WorkSafe Country Club Series game in Kyabram, Victoria.
"This is an incredible initiative that aims not only to honour the invaluable contribution of farmers to local communities but also to emphasise the critical importance of workplace safety in the agriculture sector," West said.
"Improving safety outcomes on the land starts with farmers talking to each other and understanding the value of a safe work environment both for themselves and their entire community."
Last year's winner, Greg Lumby, said the experience helped highlight the importance of farm safety in his community of Rutherglen.
"It's so important that we can enjoy and get home from our work safely so that we can enjoy a day at the footy and the netball on the Saturday," Lumby said.
"WorkSafe have been fantastic with the support they bring to footy netball clubs and it's vital that the safety message gets out there."
Western Bulldogs premiership player and WorkSafe ambassador, Tom Boyd, said local sports played a major role in creating a support network for people in rural communities, particularly those on farms experiencing isolation.
"Every time a farmer turns up to watch, train or play our great game is a chance for that person to feel like they have somewhere they belong, which decreases the chance that they will have to confront life's challenges alone," he said.
"This season, let your local farmers know what they mean to your club by nominating them to be crowned Footy's Favourite Farmer."
Nominees will be drawn monthly in the lead up to the major prize announcement in August, with the monthly winners to receive a safety pack valued at almost $2000. The packs include a WorkSafe AirAgri personal safety locator device, a quadbike operator protective device (OPD), a Footy's Favourite Farmer branded work shirt, and with footballs and netballs for the winner's club. The club that nominates the highest number of individual farmers for this year's competition will also receive a bag full of WorkSafe Sherrin KB game footballs, valued at $1300.
Nominations can be made on the Footy's Favourite Farmer website until Monday 21st July, 2025.
