SANFL supporting Coonalpyn Rest Stop

Tuesday, April 2

SANFL is throwing its support behind the innovative Coonalpyn Rest Stop in the lead up to this weekend’s highly-anticipated Gather Round.

In collaboration with the South Australia Police (SAPOL) Road Safety Section and Coorong Cats Football Club, SANFL will offer a number of its popular Super Match activities for the whole family, with portable goal posts and handball targets swinging into action in the Mallee township.

Set against the iconic Coonalpyn silo murals, the rest stop, which will also include a barbecue provided by the Coorong Cats, will operate over two days – Thursday 4 April from midday to 5pm, and Monday 8 April from 9am to 2pm.

“SANFL has been a committed road safety advocate for many years, strengthened by our longstanding partnership with Think! Road Safety,” SANFL Chief Executive Officer Darren Chandler said.

“We are thrilled to be supporting the Coonalpyn Rest Stop initiative, with some fun footy activities, allowing families to break up the journey, stretch their legs and have a play.

“We really want to ensure that the thousands of footy fans making the road trip to Gather Round arrive safely, while also helping to create awareness and drive home the vital message about road safety.”

Interstate motorists traveling to this weekend’s AFL Gather Round in South Australia are being urged to plan ahead and stop every two hours, including at the Coonalpyn Rest Stop.

Gather Round 2023 saw more than 25,000 visitors from Victoria, with even more expected to make the road trip to Adelaide this year.

Inspector Mick Turnbull said the rest stop aims to combat driver fatigue on South Australian roads during Gather Round.

“Driver fatigue is a major factor causing road crashes and is more likely to be an issue in rural areas due to the long distances and periods of continuous driving,” he said.

“Taking a 15-minute break at least every two hours where you get out of your car, get some fresh air and exercise can go a long way to ensuring you get to your destination safely.”

Motorists road tripping during the school holidays are also reminded to avoid high-risk behaviours including the Fatal Five – drink/drug driving, dangerous driving, distraction, speeding and seatbelts.