The Sunraysia Football Netball League (SFNL) will open its 2026 season with more than the first bounce, using its Good Friday fixture to launch a region-wide initiative focused on safer driving and better decisions on the road.
The Dowling Hirst Cup, to be played at Henshilwood Oval, is expected to draw strong crowds and provides a timely opportunity to bring the community together around an issue that affects every club, every player and every family.
The Sunraysia Football Netball League (SFNL) is leading the initiative, with community partner Ryan Legal playing a key role in bringing together AFL Victoria, local road safety and emergency services, community leaders, Mildura Rural City Council and Wentworth Shire Council, alongside input from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
The campaign will run throughout the 2026 season across all clubs, with a clear focus on young drivers: those learning to drive and those newly on their probationary licences.
The initiative will run throughout the season under the message: Be the difference. Show up for your team. Slow down on the road.
