11 May 2022
Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is again providing Victorian grassroots football clubs Be Sure Safer Canteens grants of up to $1,000 to upgrade old and potentially dangerous gas and electrical canteen appliances.
The energy safety regulator is also promoting its Be Sure program, calling for Victorians to have their open flued gas space heaters serviced every two years to avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
ESV, in partnership with AFL Victoria, has already handed out more than $120,000 through the Be Sure Safer Canteens program over the past four years, helping 133 football canteens buy appliances that are safer and more efficient. Be Sure Safer Canteens promotes broader energy safety and supports local, regional and suburban community sport – particularly following the impact of the coronavirus (COVID19) during 2020 and 2021. Grant applications open today.
A total of $30,000 is available through this year’s program with more than 30 clubs expected to receive a grant. An additional $1,000 grant will be awarded through the Canteen Hero program, where ESV recognises the contribution of canteen volunteers, often the unsung heroes of footy clubs. The launch of Be Sure Safer Canteens coincides with the launch of ESV’s 2022 Be Sure campaign, which calls on Victorians to be aware of the potentially fatal threat of carbon monoxide poisoning from unserviced open flued gas space heaters this winter.
ESV surveyed 1,400 Victorians and found only 63 per cent are aware they need to have their heaters serviced at least once every two years by a licensed gasfitter with the specialised class to service Type A gas appliances.
ESV Commissioner and Chairperson Marnie Williams
“We’ve seen the impact the Safer Canteens campaign has had on grassroots sporting clubs over the past four years, not only improving safety but also educating the community on the dangers of unsafe gas and electrical appliances.” “ESV is extremely proud to be able to contribute to the enjoyment of Victorian community sport while delivering important energy safety messages.”
Head of AFL Victoria Ben Kavenagh
“We are thrilled to have Energy Safe Victoria continuing its support of community football across the state for an eleventh season, and we are proud to stand alongside them to ensure that our club canteens are the safest environment possible for our volunteers. “The canteen plays an integral role in the livelihoods of many clubs, and we look forward to another successful year of the Safer Canteen Grants program and encourage all clubs to get involved.”
Media contact: Adrian Bernecich 0437 729 194 | adrian.bernecich@energysafe.vic.gov.au
Reviewed 24 January 2023