The WorkSafe Country Club Series rolled into far East Gippsland last weekend when Orbost Snowy Rovers hosted ladder leaders Boisdale Briagolong.
The round 11 East Gippsland Football Netball League fixture at Lochiel Street Reserve providing an opportunity to showcase one of the region’s most resilient communities while reinforcing the importance of safety across regional workplaces.
Delivered in partnership with WorkSafe Victoria, the series supports communities where industries such as agriculture, forestry and trade contribute to higher workplace risk.
Orbost Snowy Rovers has a proud history built on the legacy of two clubs, Orbost and Snowy Rovers, which combined in 2003 after winning 16 premierships between them.
The club continues to play a central role in connecting the local community.
As part of the series, the Orbost Snowy Rovers will benefit from more than $15,000 in value, including funding, exposure and new equipment to support the club’s future.
Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan, said bringing the series to communities like Orbost is vital.
“Clubs in regional areas play an important role well beyond match day,” Madigan said.
“This Series helps ensure they’re supported to continue that role in their communities.”
WorkSafe Ambassador Tom Boyd was on hand last Thursday night for training and gave a Worksafe presentation, as well as a question and answer session with Melbourne Vixens netballer, Kate Eddy, hosted by Peter Lazer.
Orbost Snowy Rovers’ volunteer Ash Renault was thanked with the WorkSafe Volunteer Award, recognising his enormous commitment to the club including travelling hundreds of kilometres for training and helping out across the junior and senior teamsBoyd said the visit highlights football’s broader impact.”In towns like Orbost, the footy club is often the heartbeat of the community,” Boyd said.
“It’s important we continue to support those environments and the people within them.”
The 2026 series also marks 25 years of partnership between WorkSafe Victoria and AFL Victoria, recognising the vital role country football clubs play as hubs for connection, wellbeing and community leadership.
Last Tuesday night the club hosted a Wellbeing and Mental Health session facilitated by Salt Sport and Life Training.
