Saputo Dairy Australia has contributed $10,000 for the installation of two three-tier and two two-tier new aluminium seating stands, upgrading existing ageing portable seating alongside the netball courts and football oval.
“The new permanent seating improves safety for spectators and volunteers, while reducing the workload for our dedicated volunteers,” Lockington Recreation Reserve management committee president Colin Bacon said.
“It will enhance the viewing experience for all reserve users, which is the central hub for our community.”
TAC grants for HDFNL clubs
Three clubs in Campaspe Shire are among 316 football netball clubs to receive grants in 2025 from the Transport Accident Commission.
Lockington-Bamawm United, Colbinabbin and Mount Pleasant FNCs will each receive up to $10,000 for new equipment, uniforms, education programs and transport initiatives.
Clubs were required to show how they supported road safety throughout the year, including taking part in TAC’s Road Safety Round.
“These clubs are at the heart of their communities and have shown incredible leadership in promoting road safety,” Victorian Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne said.
“Their efforts are helping to make every journey on Victoria’s roads a safer one.”
The full list of recipients can be found at tac.vic.gov.au/about-the-tac/community/grants/tac-club-rewards-program
Reducing injuries for female athletes
A new set of global recommendations, co-led by La Trobe University, is seeking to reduce the occurrence of injuries in female athletes.
Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the Female, Woman, Girl Athlete Injury Prevention Consensus Statement was also led by the University of Calgary and is supported by the International Olympic Committee.
The 56 practical recommendations include mandatory sport-specific strength, balance and control exercises for athletes at all levels for 10 minutes at least twice per week.
“There is a significant data gap in terms of how female athlete health data are collected and represented in research and policy,” IOC director of health, medicine and science Dr Jane Thornton said.
“Injury and illness rates are disproportionately high, and female athlete health has risen to be among the top five priorities for international sport federations.”
Estimates suggest only 22 per cent of Australian women aged 15 years and over participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week.
Football participation grows
Participation in football is at an all-time high in Victoria.
Data released by AFL Victoria shows a record 250,000 registered participants in football in the state in 2025.
Forty per cent of participants nationwide hail from Victoria, the state’s share increasing by six per cent from 2024.
AFL Superkick, the next step after Auskick for kids aged 7 to 12, saw a 170 per cent increase in participation in Victoria in the program’s second year.
Participation by women and girls was up four per cent, and one in five Auskick and Superkick participants in 2025 were female.
For the first time, 1000 females are registered as community umpires in Victoria.
26°C