Written by Amelia Barnes
The 2022 winners of the WorkSafe Safety Initiative of the Year award have been revealed, with Natimuk United Football Netball Club announced as joint recipients of the $2000 prize.
Natimuk is a small town (population 550) located in western Victoria, roughly halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide, with a thriving sporting community.
Natimuk United Football Netball Club is host to approximately 100 netballers across multiple junior and senior divisions playing in the Horsham District Football Netball League.
The club was awarded joint winners of the WorkSafe Safety Initiative of the Year at the 2022 Netball Victoria Community Awards based on its increased safety initiatives throughout the recent season. These initiatives focused on three key areas: health and wellbeing; road safety; and game day safety.
To promote the health and wellbeing of players, the club collaborated with the West Wimmera Health Service (WWHS) to update its website with health resources.
Health promotion sessions are offered at the club, and a health and wellbeing committee meets regularly with WWHS.
“As a club we have a commitment to providing mental health and wellbeing support to our footballers, netballers, and supporters, but also to the Natimuk community as a whole,” said Natimuk United FNC committee member Katrina Fraser.
“WWHS, in partnership with Natimuk United FNC, aims to identify the needs of our community members so we can better plan, design and prioritise future health and wellbeing initiatives.”
Road safety is particularly important to Natimuk United following the passing of club member Amy ‘Ames’ Pilgrim in a 2020 road incident. To honour Pilgrim and raise awareness, a local driving school came on board to offer heavily discounted driving lessons; road safety messaging was included in every newsletter; and the club completed a VicRoads ‘Looking After Our Mates’ session.
The Amy Pilgrim Memorial Award was also established and is awarded to a player who demonstrates the hard work ethic and determined spirit Amy was famous for. “If winning this award makes them and their mates think about their choices and decisions, we will be forever grateful,” said Fraser.
Finally, Natimuk United made significant efforts to improve game day safety in 2022.
The club’s netball court was resurfaced, replacing tired and worn asphalt with a non-slip acrylic surface.
To further minimise the risk of injury, the club partnered with a local personal trainer, Sarah Kelm of Ripe2Train, to offer free fitness/warm up sessions before senior training.
Kelm also writes a blog in the club covering topics such as stretching, sports drinks, gluteal muscles, and the importance of training.
“Her philosophy is fun and fitness and involves group challenges and meeting individual fitness goals,” said Fraser.
Fraser is proud of what Natimuk United have achieved in 2022, with all safety initiatives to continue in 2023.
“At NUFNC, we pride ourselves on being a family club who are respectful, fun-loving, inclusive, professional and proud,” she said.
“We continually seek improvement; strive for the best future facilities; closer links to community; and provide a supportive, tolerant, and inclusive environment for our players, coaches, administrators, and volunteers to achieve their full potential… We are united by name and nature.”
The $2000 prize money from the WorkSafe Safety Initiative of the Year award will contribute to a new all-weather shelter at the club grounds, and a potential netball clinic with a professional player.
The WorkSafe Safety Initiative of the Year Award is supported by WorkSafe Victoria
