The Melbourne Rebels are delighted to welcome the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) as the Official Community Partner of the Club.
The multi-year partnership will see, in conjunction with Rugby Victoria, a dedicated ‘TAC – Road Safety’ round for all clubs in Premiership and Premiership Reserve Shield Clubs. TAC will also be an official partner of the Melbourne Rebels Regional Tour, which will kick off in 2023.
As part of these campaigns, the Rebels will play a key role in sharing TAC’s safety message, including via social media content and working with young people to educate them on key road safety issues.
Rebels staff, players, and pathway participants will all receive three road safety education sessions per year during the partnership. The Club will also work with Disability Sport and Recreation Victoria in a partnership encompassing Wheelchair Rugby, where Rebels players and staff will participate in a come-and-try day for the sport.
The announcement comes as Victoria records its deadliest start to the year on state roads in almost two-decades. The partnership will aim to educate the rugby union community on the horrific impact of high-risk behaviours such as speeding, and encourage safe choices by all road users.
Melbourne Rebels CEO, Baden Stephenson, said the partnership only further solidified the Club’s connection to the community.
“TAC is a pillar of the Victorian community spreading the message of road safety, we are so pleased that we have been given the honour to share it alongside them.”
“Working alongside Rugby Victoria, this partnership allows us to put an emphasis on the regional areas the demand for Rugby there has never been greater. We know that the road toll is proportionately higher in rural and regional areas, and we will be proud to deliver the road safety message to our participants in those areas.”
TAC CEO, Joe Calafiore said partnerships like this play a critical role in embedding a culture of road safety across the state.
“The level of road trauma we are seeing across Victoria is deeply concerning, and the TAC is always investigating new and innovative ways to promote road safety.”
“The TAC is excited to build a strong relationship with the Melbourne Rebels, and is looking forward to the opportunity to engage with rugby union fans and players on important road safety issues.”
