The Gold Coast SUNS will help shine a light on driver education and road safety, encouraging fans to lead the way on Queensland roads.
In a partnership announced today with Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and AFL Queensland (AFLQ) the SUNS will support TMR’s StreetSmarts road safety program, and work with the Department to bring about social change and encourage safe driver behaviour.
Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Officer Mark Evans said the SUNS’ focus would be to ‘coach’ the community about road safety and that this partnership supports the club’s vision to be leaders in this area.
"We know that road trauma impacts the community at unprecedented levels, and we want to play a key role in addressing this with our community,” Evans said.
"We are really excited about this partnership with TMR and AFL Queensland and the opportunities to raise road safety awareness and drive meaningful change amongst our members and fans.”
The SUNS will promote road safety messaging to AFL fans, club members, corporate partners and the wider Gold Coast community via the club’s digital channels and at home games at Metricon Stadium.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the SUNS would have an important role in sharing the message of road safety through Queensland’s industries, businesses, schools, parents and broader community.
“I’m delighted that the Gold Coast SUNS and AFL Queensland are taking a leadership position in the important area of road safety,” Mr Bailey said.
"This partnership gives us the opportunity to engage not only with the SUNS fans and members, but also raise awareness of road safety across Queensland through the AFLQ Schools Cup.
"The profile of AFL in Queensland has never been higher after hosting the national competition and grand final in 2020.
“Our ambitious, long-term vision for Queensland is zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads, and we need to continue to raise awareness that unacceptable behaviours behind the wheel can have devastating and tragic consequences.”
Head of AFLQ, Trisha Squires, said the 2021 AFLQ Schools Cup competition was a great opportunity for the SUNS to help ‘Coach’ the next generation to a safer future on our roads.
“The StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup will see more than 12,000 students participating in the competition right across Queensland and northern New South Wales,” Ms Squires said.
“From Cairns to Byron Bay, more than 600 teams will take part in gala days in every region, culminating in a finals day on the Sunshine Coast in October.
“It’s great that this year not only will the competition provide school children the opportunity to play AFL but to learn about the importance of road safety thanks to the partnership with TMR and the Gold Coast SUNS.”
Click here for more advice about staying safe on the road.
