Energy Safe Victoria has announced grants of up to $1000 to go towards supporting canteens at football and netball clubs.
The Be Sure Safer Canteens initiative looks to upgrade old and potentially dangerous gas and electrical canteen appliances.
In partnership with AFL Victoria, ESV has handed out more than $120,000 through the initiative during the past four years, helping 133 clubs across Victoria buy more efficient and safer appliances.
A total of $30,000 is available through the program this year, with more than 30 clubs expected to receive a slice of the funding.
An additional $1000 will be awarded through the Canteen Hero program, where ESV recognises the contribution of volunteers in clubs.
The launch of the initiative coincides with ESV’s Be Sure Campaign, which hopes to promote awareness among Victorians to be aware of the potentially fatal threat of carbon monoxide poisoning from unserviced gas heaters this winter.
Head of AFL Victoria Ben Kavenagh said the initiative would help in fostering a safer and more positive environment among clubs.
“We are proud to stand alongside them (ESV) to ensure that our club canteens are the safest environment possible for our volunteers,” Kavenagh said.
“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.”