NSW clubs top tips this Road Safety Week

Strategies include:

• Arranging courtesy buses
• Offering Uber or taxi vouchers as prizes
• Choosing event locations near public transport
• Organising carpooling
• Free food or soft drink for designated drivers
• Promoting local accommodation options.

As part of your club’s duty of care, having a safe transport plan reduces the risk of drink driving and helps keep everyone safe on the roads.

By implementing as many of these ideas as possible, you’ll continue to build a safe and supportive club environment, while strengthening your Good Sports policy.

Check out the other safe transport resources we have on the Good Sports website.

Log into the Good Sports portal or join now to update your policy.

Randwick City Football Club

This Sydney football club won the 2024 Good Sports Safe Transport Award for its outstanding commitment to ensuring members get to and from club events safely. 

Club spokesperson Richard Baldwin said the Sydney club has embedded Good Sports values since its formation, with member safety and wellbeing top priorities. 

“Good Sports has strengthened our approach to responsible alcohol management – we’ve eliminated unregulated post-match drinking, secured a liquor licence, and ensure all alcohol-related events follow RSA guidelines,” Richard said.

“Safe transport is a top priority, and we work closely with venues to arrange courtesy buses, pre-book taxis, offer Uber voucher raffles, and most importantly select event locations with ready access to public transport. 

“Every event’s advertising includes clear safe transport messaging, and our club leaders actively monitor member welfare.”

Wakehurst Football Club

Wakehurst Football Club is based in the outer northern suburbs of Sydney. Club spokesperson Drew Benjamin said Good Sports has transformed the club’s culture, shifting the focus away from alcohol reliance while prioritising safety and community.

“Joining Good Sports was a turning point for us. We introduced safe transport options, healthier canteen choices, and significantly reduced our reliance on alcohol sales,” Drew said.

To address transport challenges at its home ground, Wakehurst FC relocated major alcohol-related events to a licensed venue with better accessibility.

“Our home ground isn’t well serviced by public transport, so we moved events to a more central location. We now provide a courtesy bus, a free-call taxi service, and ensure every event’s advertising includes safe transport details,” Drew said. 

“Whenever we use our own facilities, the local RSL club community bus makes regular stops, and on big game days or gala days, we deploy traffic wardens to keep younger children safe.”

Lake Macquarie BMX Club 

Lake Macquarie BMX Club has been working hard to keep their riders safe on the roads in regional areas.

Club spokesperson Sky McDonell explained that her club has implemented several safe transport strategies to ensure the wellbeing of members and families, particularly during events. 

One of the key strategies has been promoting local accommodation options to reduce the need for long-distance travel and to ensure that families and riders have easy access to the event location. 

Sky explains that by encouraging attendees to stay at nearby accommodations, they not only help to reduce the risks associated with fatigue from long drives but also support local businesses in the community.

“We provide information on local hotels, motels, and other accommodation options through our event social media. This allows families to plan their stay in advance and helps ensure they have a safe and convenient place to stay.”

“The impact of these strategies has been highly positive. Participants feel more confident knowing they have safe, accessible accommodation options close to the event, reducing the stress of travel and improving the overall event experience.”

“Good Sports has helped us refine our processes and focus on what truly matters – our members. By reducing administrative pressures, our board has been able to prioritise community engagement, growth, and rider development,” Sky said.

Supported by Transport for NSW

In New South Wales, Good Sports is funded by the NSW Government through Transport for NSW from the Community Road Safety Fund.