Hawks and HBA Health Insurance continue bushfire recovery effort

Junior footballers from the ravaged regions of the Victorian bushfires received a further boost to help in their recovery when HBA Health Insurance today announced 12 participants will be given the chance to train with the Hawthorn Football Club as part of the 2010 HighMarks program.

Importantly, to mark the announcement HBA Health Insurance also donated new goal posts to the Alexandra Football/Netball Club, which had not been able to fund replacements after their community oval was used to accommodate 500 tents for emergency service personnel who were helping those who lost their homes to the devastating bushfires last year.

Hawks premiership player Trent Croad joined HBA Health Insurance Ambassador and Hawthorn Legend Peter Hudson to call for nominations in the 2010 HBA HighMarks program from junior footballers who had their lives impacted by the Victorian bushfires and have demonstrated leadership within their local community.

Now in its seventh year, the program will provide the 12 participants with the opportunity to spend three days being mentored by Hawthorn's senior players, learning about healthy lifestyle choices, setting goals and the chance to go behind the scenes at an AFL game.

Peter Hudson said he was delighted to be able to support the courage and bravery displayed every day by residents of Alexandra and the surrounding communities in this way.

"Not only were whole communities destroyed in the 2009 Victorian bushfires, but the lives of those who survived were changed forever and the path to rebuilding is a long journey," he said.

"And while it's only a small gesture, we hope that the donation of the goal posts and dedicating the HBA HighMarks program to children who have overcome the adversity of the bushfires will go some way to helping these courageous local communities."

Hudson went on to say these initiatives followed HBA's earlier donation of more than $220,000 in support of the bushfire recovery efforts.

"We're delighted to partner with the Hawks to continue this support by giving 12 junior footballers in regional Victoria the chance to spend three days with some of their AFL idols."

Similarly, Croad said the Hawthorn players were looking forward to working closely with the aspiring young footballers many of whom have overcome greater obstacles than any sportsperson could face on the competition arena.

The HBA HighMarks program will be conducted in the last week of June and is open to boys aged 14 to 16 years who are nominated by their coaches or parents. Nominations close on Monday 7 June and forms are available from the HBA, Hawthorn or Victorian Country Football League websites.

As one of Australia's leading private health insurers, the HBA HighMarks initiative aligns HBA's long term goal of helping people lead healthier, happier and longer lives.


About HBA
HBA has been looking after Australians for more than 70 years. As a leading private health insurer, our primary aim is to help all Australians live longer, healthier and happier lives.
HBA proudly covers around one million Australians – giving them the confidence to better manage their healthcare needs. It's the largest non-government operated health fund in Victoria with 27 per cent market share.
In addition to private health insurance, HBA offers travel, home insurance and car insurance.

About Bupa Australia
Bupa Australia is a leading healthcare provider. With a significant presence in every Australian state and territory, the company operates under the trusted and respected brands, HBA, MBF, Mutual Community and Clearview, proudly covering more than three million Australians.
Bupa Australia is driven by the vision of "Taking care of the lives in our hands". The company is focused on providing sustainable health insurance and financial services solutions that represent real value to customers, and on leading the industry in the promotion of preventive health and wellness.
Bupa Australia's products and services include cover for hospital, medical, ancillary and ambulance services, as well as travel, life, car and home insurance, and retirement planning and lifestyle management services.
As part of the international Bupa Group, Bupa Australia draws on the strength and expertise of an international healthcare leader. The Bupa Group covers more than 10 million people in over 200 countries and provides other health and financial services to many more millions of customers around the globe.