Robinvale Football & Netball Club wins Community Sporting Club 2011
They had an eagle-eye on raising the bar for community sport, leading Robinvale Eagles Football & Netball Club to win the AFL Victoria 2011 Community Sport and Recreation Awards as Community Club of the Year.*
The club wanted to continue finding partnerships within the community and be recognised (and respected) by groups including councils, local businesses and other sporting bodies. Yet a key challenge was to deal with tensions rising from a diversity of cultural habits in a single club with a high proportion of Indigenous, Asian and Pacific Islander members reflecting ethnic diversity of the community.
What they did
• Provided RSA training for club personnel
• Attended Liquor Accord meetings by club personnel
• Club President participated at underage drinking forum
• Security staff at all major social functions
• Transport co-ordinated from club functions (taxis, designated drivers)
• Provided meals on Saturdays after home matches
• Limited bar opening hours
• Alcohol ban for club awards, prize pools, etc.
• Introduction of ‘core values’ as Courage, Respect, Pride
• Appointment of a leadership group
• A new Players’ Handbook (by senior coach)
• Established behaviour standards including dress codes
• Established an alcohol free zone.
How it helped
• Recognised as one of the best administrated clubs in the league
• Now at forefront of major decisions made within the league
• Enabled club to improve facilities
• Developed positive community relationships
“Robinvale has in excess of 24 different nationalities living in its broader community, which has led to many racial and alcohol problems over the years. As the football club is an integral part of the Robinvale community, we have been able to bring the communities together and become more inclusive, respective of cultures and diversity through participation in football.”
