Marrickville Council supported the official launch of the Australian Drug Foundation’s Good Sports Program in the Marrickville local government area, on Wednesday 27 October at Petersham Town Hall.
The Mayor of Marrickville, Councillor Fiona Byrne, said that Good Sports is aimed at promoting the responsible service and consumption of alcohol at community sporting clubs. It also looks at reducing the focus of alcohol within sports and works to develop healthier, happier and more family friendly clubs.
"The program is free to community sporting clubs and has been implemented extensively across most states, with more than 3,500 clubs presently participating. With key funding support from NSW RTA (Corporate) and local partners such as Marrickville Council, the program is now being delivered across 30 local government areas," Councillor Byrne said.
Three sporting clubs were last night acknowledged for their participation in the program so far – Newtown Jets, Canterbury and Western Suburbs Cricket Association and Marrickville Cricket Club.
Newtown RLFC was the first club to be accredited to the Program and the Club President, Barry Vining, together with Club Directors, Karl Cope and Stuart McCarthy, attended the Program launch where they were presented with the Club's certificate of accreditation.
Attendees at the launch included Councillor Emmanuel Tsardoulis, Marrickville Council GM Ken Gainger and Russell Grimson, Sydney Regional Manager of the Good Sports Program as well as representatives from various other local sporting clubs and organizations.