Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, today congratulated the Moree Boomerangs Rugby League Football Club, on being named the Good Sports Awards’ National Good Sports Club of the Year in Melbourne.
The Good Sports Awards recognise sporting clubs that promote healthy lifestyles and reduce excessive alcohol consumption.
Organised by the Australian Drug Foundation, the Good Sports Programme helps local clubs to better manage alcohol use and reduce the harm that excessive drinking can cause.
“It is wonderful to see the Moree Boomerangs receive national recognition for their efforts to create a stronger, more supportive family-friendly local club environment,” Mr Coulton said.
“The Good Sports programme encourages clubs to be aware of, and adhere to, responsible service of alcohol requirements. In particular, the programme helps clubs to develop a culture that focuses more on participation and less on drinking.
“The changes the Boomerangs have made have been good for the players and for the club itself, and good for the wider community as well.
The Assistant Minister for Health, Senator Fiona Nash, attended the awards ceremony at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and presented the National Good Sports Club of the Year Award to the Moree Boomerangs Rugby League Football Club.
“The Australian Government is pleased to be associated with the Australian Drug Foundation’s Good Sports programme, which does a fantastic job at supporting clubs across the country to move away from harmful drinking cultures,” Minister Nash said.
“In fact, the Good Sports programme has been so successful that the Government earlier this year committed a further $19 million to extend it for another four years.”
Mr Coulton encouraged more clubs throughout northern NSW to work with the Australian Drug Foundation and to take part in the Good Sports programme.
“Local sporting clubs of all codes play an important role in communities throughout our region,” Mr Coulton said.
“Socialising is an important part of sport, and some people like to socialise with friends over a drink. However, this should be done responsibly and not to excess.
“By embracing the Good Sports programme, clubs can work to provide a more welcoming, family-friendly environment. This helps young people participate in local sports in a healthy and safe environment, and it also helps build stronger, healthy communities.”
For more information on the Programme, please see: http://goodsports.com.au/
