“Alcohol is an issue in all our communities when it isn’t managed properly,” Councillor Burns said.

The Good Sports program helps clubs focus on sport, not drinking and in doing so provides a much healthier and safer place for our young people,”

“More than a third of all people in the state are members of sporting clubs and more than 50 per cent

of these members drink above recommended health levels when they visit their clubs.”

“Young people have shown themselves to be particularly at risk of binge drinking in this environment, with a significant percentage of 18 to 20 year old members consuming more than 13 standard drinks each time they visit their clubs.”

“Clubs like the Leeton and Whitton Crows, Leeton Jockey Club and Leeton and District Bowling Club who have embraced the Good Sports program and seen the benefits it has to offer, are to be applauded, “commented the Mayor.

The Good Sports program has recently received endorsement from the heads of the NRL, ARU, AFL, Football Federation of Australia, Cricket Australia and Netball Australia and $5.2 million funding from the Prime Minister to help roll the program out nationally.

The Prime Minister also announced funding for the establishment of a Club Champions program, under which sport and community clubs would nominate a player, coach, administrator or support staff as an ambassador for responsible drinking.