The RACT has a long and strong tradition of supporting football in Tasmania, and it has now signed on as a key backer of AFL games in the state by supporting the deal to play two games a season over three years at Bellerive.
“We believe the benefits are threefold: AFL will become more accessible to more Tasmanians; there will be a beneficial economic impact; and it is a positive development for the future of AFL in Tasmania,” said the RACT’s Chief Executive Officer, Harvey Lennon.
“Our experience over the years in supporting local football is that the game is deeply ingrained in Tasmanian culture. It involves almost every town in the State in terms of players, club administrators, umpires, coaches and ground staff. So it was a natural progression for the RACT to consider involvement in the national AFL when we considered the benefits that could flow to Tasmanians, to the game, and to the RACT.”
As part of the new partnership, the RACT will:
· Facilitate a program of community activities in association with North Melbourne and AFL Tasmania to deliver coaching clinics and footy experiences to young people and communities right across Tasmania; and
· Provide Members and the wider Tasmanian community with chances to experience AFL Football live.
The RACT was also influenced by economic considerations. “The playing of two games at Bellerive Oval will see a significant economic injection to the Tasmanian economy over the quiet winter months. It will stimulate activity and will be good at a time when our hotels are quiet and the retail trade is struggling,” said Mr Lennon.
“RACT Travelworld will be closely involved in developing and organising travel packages for North Melbourne fans coming to Tasmania and this will give us a front row view of the economic benefits that will flow to the state.”
“While we are pleased to be able to support the ongoing delivery of top class AFL matches in Tasmania, in the long term the continuation of a strong AFL presence will depend upon collaboration between local government, the state government, and the private sector.”
“The RACT looks forward to a future with a Tasmanian-based AFL team which is also committed to playing matches at suitable venues around the State.”
“We trust that our support for the North Melbourne presence in Tasmania will further cement AFL as an ongoing part of a winter weekend in Tasmania,” said Mr Lennon.
The North Melbourne Football Club has welcomed the RACT’s decision.
“We are delighted with the RACT’s support and involvement with our exciting venture into Tasmania from 2012 and beyond. The North Melbourne Football Club is committed to delivering wide-ranging community and economic benefits to the state through hard work on and off the field,” said the North Melbourne Football Club CEO, Eugene Arocca.
“Tasmanians are among the most passionate supporters of AFL. Together with the RACT, the Spirit of Tasmania and Hobart City Council, North Melbourne will guarantee them greater exposure to football, beyond the six game Bellerive deal, through initiatives such as special clinics, player appearances and community programs. NMFC will work closely with RACT and the other stakeholders to deliver an outstanding match day experience for all those that attend,” said Mr Arocca.
RACT’s investment in the Tasmanian community
The RACT group is one of the most active community supporters across Tasmania. Community investment extends across the state: from modest donations to local sports clubs, support for non-profit community groups through its RACT Community Fund small grants program, to major partnerships in the arts, road safety, entertainment, healthy living and sporting sectors. This year for the first time, the RACT has become indirectly involved in supporting the Burnie 10.
The RACT has a long history in supporting football.
RACT Insurance has sponsored the Statewide football league [TSL] for a number of years, including the sought-after RACT Insurance Player of the Year award.
RACT has prominent advertising in place at Aurora Stadium, supporting the ongoing operations of the ground.
The RACT is a long term supporter of the Old Scotch Collegians Football Club, as well as other local clubs before that.
RACT Launceston has also had a long association with the NTJFA (the junior football association in Launceston.)
RACT conducts a free online Footy Tipping competition at www.ract.com.au fielding on both AFL and TSL rosters, popular among RACT members and non-members alike.
