The Nhill & District Sporting Club are gearing up to host a WorkSafe Country Club Game against Ararat on Saturday June 21st. This is a fantastic opportunity for the club, and demonstrates that our sporting clubs bring more than just sport to our local communities.

To mark the occasion, Nhill will host its annual Sponsors’ Day, bringing together key club contributors and supporters, with the club expecting a full crowd and an electric game-day atmosphere.

The WorkSafe Country Club Game will put the Nhill community in the spotlight throughout the week with visits from Western Bulldogs 2016 premiership player Tom Boyd, who is a WorkSafe ambassador, alongside Melbourne Vixens players at training and on game day.

On the evening of Tuesday 17th of June, all members of the community 15 years and older are invited to the club to participate in the Sport And Life Training session (SALT). This is included as part of the WorkSafe round and will cover the importance of mental health and wellbeing.

Thursday the 19th will see regular training take place, with the aforementioned Tom Boyd and Vixens representatives present to assist and share their experience. WorkSafe representatives will be present after training to take questions and discuss their role in keeping everyone safe.

On the Saturday, WorkSafe will have their container set up with free merchandise, offering attendees the opportunity to come and ask questions about workplace safety. They will also present a number of awards in the evening.

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, Nhill will 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.”

The Nhill match will be the third of six WorkSafe Country Club Games for 2025, with Elmore and Kyabram hosting the first two in May. 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

Nhill Tigers v Ararat Rats

• Location: Nhill & District Sporting Club, Davis Park
• Date: Saturday June 21st
• A Grade Netball: 12:15pm
• Senior Football: 2:20pm

This article appeared in Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 4 June 2025.