Grants improve energy safety for Victorian footy canteens

Safer Canteens Grants

Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is providing more than $30,000 to community football and netball clubs across Victoria, helping them make their canteens safer. A total of 32 Victorian grassroots clubs will be awarded grants of up to $1,000 to replace old, unsafe and energy inefficient fridges, bain maries, stoves, pie warmers, steamers and fryers. ESV’s Safer Canteens grants program promotes energy safety at a grass roots level, highlighting risks including:

• Electrocutions caused by non-electricians trying to do their own electrical work.
• Fires caused by poorly maintained BBQ gas bottles.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning caused by faulty open flued gas heaters.

This year’s program supports clubs as far west as Dimboola, as far as north as Milawa, east to Yallourn and south to Mount Eliza, while also benefitting a number of clubs in metropolitan Melbourne.

Canteen Hero

Many of the people working in club canteens are volunteers who not only support their clubs but, in many cases, also provide meals for the disadvantaged and vulnerable. ESV and AFL Victoria will also open nominations for clubs to celebrate their unsung Canteen Heroes – the canteen volunteers – between 7 and 20 September. A $1000 grant will be awarded to the winner’s football club canteen for new gas or electrical equipment. Nominate a Canteen Hero at esv.vic.gov.au/safercanteens.

Quotes attributable to ESV Commissioner and Chairperson Marnie Williams

“This important initiative helps build and shape metropolitan and regional Victorians who connect to their communities through their local sporting club.” “ESV’s priority has always been taking action to protect Victorians from safety risks. I am so proud to be able to do that and invest in communities at the same time.”

Quotes attributable to Head of AFL Victoria Brad Scott

“Energy Safe Victoria’s support ensures our clubs have the opportunity to not only improve their canteen facilities, but to increase awareness of energy safety issues at the community level.” “Football clubs are the heart of our communities, so it’s vital players, officials and volunteers can stay safe whether it’s playing footy, at work or at home.” Read more about our sponsorship and many years supporting AFL Victoria and community football.

2021 Successful Safer Canteens grant recipients