Woodbridge Cricket Club was awarded 2022 National Good Sports Club of the Year and 2022 Good Sports Tasmanian Club of the Year on February 16.
The awards ceremony was held at Parliament House in Canberra.
Good Sports is Australia's largest community health sports program, working with more than 10,000 community sports clubs across Australia, including more than 550 clubs in Tasmania.
The Good Sports Award recognises local sports clubs that are committed to building healthy and family-friendly club environments and for their work with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation's Good Sports program in tackling topics like alcohol, illicit drugs, smoking, mental health and safe transport.
"Good Sports supports local sporting clubs to identify and reduce potential risks around alcohol and other drugs, as well as other important issues such as mental health and road safety," said Alcohol and Drug Foundation's Tasmanian Manager Mona Malouf.
"The Good Sports Awards are the ultimate trophy for any Good Sports club.
"They shine the spotlight on success, celebrate the volunteers who are the backbone of Good Sports clubs and give winning clubs the recognition they deserve," said Ms Malouf.
Woodbridge Cricket Club was crowned the 2022 Good Sports National Club of the Year and the 2022 Good Sports Tasmanian Club of the Year for adopting practices and strategies to improve the health and wellbeing of their members, inspiring positive change and building a healthier and family-friendly club environment.
Committee Member and Life Member Steve Jackson said before joining Good Sports Woodbridge Cricket Club had a reputation of poor alcohol and smoking management, leading at times to poor behaviour, poor sportsmanship and lack of community engagement.
Now having reached the highest level of the Good Sports program, the club has introduced a range of initiatives to help build a healthier club, such as designated smoke-free areas, healthier food, encouraging safe transport to and from events and making a variety of non and low alcoholic and healthier drinks available at the bar.
"The club has changed from one which was viewed by locals and other teams as almost a lost cause, to becoming one which takes pride in its family-friendly atmosphere and respect for fellow players, other teams and the spirit of cricket," Mr Jackson said.
The club now also prides itself on its strong focus on encouraging junior participation and mentoring younger players.
"It's a big thing for a small, regional club to win such an award," said Mr Jackson.
"It recognises the significant improvements that the club has made in becoming a family-friendly club."
"Woodbridge Cricket Club is a great example of a sporting club that gives back to its local community and to win the Good Sports Australia National Club of the Year Award is testament to the Club and its volunteers," said Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Hon Nic Street MP.
