St Johns DDJRL wins Community Club Award

Club Committee Member, Bridget Bartlett said the Good Sports Program has strengthened club culture and has made a lasting impact in their community.

“We’re now observing a significant reduction in underage drinking and vaping, and changes in our players' attitudes towards these harmful activities has been evident, with a decline in antisocial behaviour.”

Hosted by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation at Parliament House, Canberra in February 2024, the Awards ceremony recognised Good Sports clubs and their dedicated volunteers from across the country who are passionate about community, their members and making their club the very best it can be.

A focus on safety, mental health and wellbeing

“Good Sports has not only made our club safer but has also enhanced our reputation as responsible community members,” said Bridget.

“Since joining the Good Sports program, we’ve introduced clear policies and guidelines that discourage alcohol and drug use. We’ve also organised educational sessions on the risks associated with their use,” Bridget said.

St Johns DDJRL says it’s strengthened their focus on mental health and wellbeing, introducing a range of policies and practices, and collaborating with other community organisations to extend their support and education into the broader community.

“Our club activities have become more community-focused, and this year we’ve organised various educational events with experts engaged to cover topics such as alcohol and drug use, mental resilience, bullying, and nutrition,” Bridget continued.

“We're proud to be part of Good Sports, which has helped us foster a healthy and mentally resilient club that has grown from just a sports team to a supportive and inclusive community.”