John Guinan is presented WorkSafe Victoria Community Volunteer of the Year by former AFL player Tom Boyd. Photo: Jordan Townrow
Not only did Kyabram Football Netball Club host the second 2025 WorkSafe Country Club Game against Shepparton in round eight of Goulburn Valley League, there were a few surprises in store.
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Chiefly, club president John Guinan was awarded the WorkSafe Community Volunteer of the Year at half-time of the seniors match, presented by Western Bulldogs premiership player Tom Boyd.
Guinan said he was surprised by the acknowledgement and was thankful to be recognised for the effort he puts into the club.
WorkSafe Victoria chief executive Ashley West, Lisa Alexander and Tom Boyd gave speeches on the day.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“(Being president) is a bit of a thankless job, so it was nice to get some recognition, I suppose,” he said.
“It was perfect to be recognised for the time I put in was quite good actually, I was pretty chuffed.”
The award was a small part of the WorkSafe Country Club Game series that highlights the communities and volunteers behind country football and netball.
As part of the series, WorkSafe holds Sport and Life Training sessions, special guest visits from AFL and netball stars and $15,000 worth of equipment, food and signage to the club.
WorkSafe activations and coffee carts were around the grounds. Photos: Luke Hemer
Photo by
Luke Hemer
A SALT representative came and held sessions about mental health and looking after your community with players and volunteers after Tuesday training.
“The SALT sessions were great. I’ve been to a lot of them; it was an unbelievable experience for our younger and older groups of players who put their hands up and had something to say,” Guinan said.
“I think all clubs should get involved in programs like this, players and community members need to be aware of the pressures of sport and work, every club needs a bit of a wake-up call and be there for one another.”
Specators are comfortable while watching the netball on WorkSafe bean bags.
Photo by
Luke Hemer
Former Australian netball captain Sharelle McMahon and Boyd were at Kyabram’s Thursday night training before the match, donating $1500 for a club dinner.
Water bottles, goal post pads, footballs, netballs and WorkSafe signage were donated following the training session as well as hosting Q&A sessions with WorkSafe inspectors, Boyd and McMahon.
Attendees could get free merch and talk to WorkSafe inspectors.
Photo by
Luke Hemer
On Saturday, May 31, there was a WorkSafe activation giving away free merchandise and the opportunity for attendees to speak with inspectors as well as a $2000 free barbecue.
The key message behind the event was ‘Working safe is a team sport’ a sentiment which Guinan and the club echoed.
Tom Boyd spoke to Kyabram players on the day.
Photo by
Luke Hemer
“It was a great opportunity and a good message to spread from WorkSafe, there are a lot more important things than football, netball and work — it’s about getting home safe to our families,” he said.
“It was great for us to get behind WorkSafe’s message and to get the exposure for our club and volunteers.”
WorkSafe activations were out in full force at Kyabram Recreation Reserve.
Photo by
Luke Hemer
Guinan also highlighted the impact of the event on club volunteers, who got to be in the spotlight for all of their hard work in making the club run smoothly.
“It gives recognition to our volunteers that help out every week, they get a chance to get their stories out there and be proud participants of our club,” Guinan said.
“Our volunteers were a bit sheepish at the start, but they felt really good after it, they thought it was great having the questions asked and what the club means to them.”
