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Beyond the Boundary Edition #39

  • 5 days ago
  • 12 min read


FROM THE REGION MANAGER

Beyond the Boundary - Respect in Footy Campaign



Respect is at the heart of our game.


As part of the Beyond the Boundary – Respect in Footy campaign, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to creating a positive, inclusive and supportive environment for everyone involved in our club and the wider football community.


Football is more than just what happens on the field. It’s about the way we treat each other—players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, and supporters alike. Every interaction shapes the experience of our game.


We encourage all members and supporters across every club to:

  • Show respect to umpires, teammates, opponents, and officials

  • Lead by example, both on and off the field

  • Support a safe and welcoming environment for all participants

  • Call out and discourage poor behaviour


Let’s all play our part in ensuring football remains a game that everyone can enjoy, be proud of, and feel safe participating in.


Respect starts with us all. Wanganui Oval Officially Opened Following Major Upgrade



With the support of Greater Shepparton Council and AFL Victoria, Wanganui Oval was officially opened last night and is ready to be used by local community clubs.



Significant upgrades to the surface and lighting were made possible through jointly funded partnership totalling $432,000 with AFL Victoria and council.


The upgraded facility will play an important role in supporting community football participation, particularly for junior and women’s football programs, while also helping reduce pressure on existing ovals across the region.




AFLGM AGM

The Annual General Meeting will be conducted on Tuesday, May 12th 2026 Kialla Reserve.        


Relevant Documents:



In Case you Missed It: AFL Victoria Org Chart





Upcoming Key Dates May


July

  • 1 July - TAC Club Rewards Launch

  • Women's Coaching Month


We’re Here to Help!

Our team is on hand to support you across all areas:


  • AFL Victoria

    • Governance, Strategy, Facilities, Partnerships & Governance – Shaun Connell

    • Club Development & Experience – John Thompson

    • Participation Team – Kevin Monaghan & Mel Saunders

  • RAC Operational Support – Jo Spencer (HOO), Andrew Moore (GVFUA) Brad Noonan (GVL), Connor Noakes (GMJ), Sam Heron (GMW&G), Jo Backway (Netball) , Michelle Adams (Finance)

  • Murray League: Dale Norman



Child Safeguarding Requirements

Clubs are legally required to comply with the Victorian Child Safe Standards (VCCS), however the VCCS doesn’t explicitly call out the need for clubs to have a Child Safety Officer (CSO).  However, appointing a CSO is a positive step towards meeting the requirements outlined in the VCCS to ensure a safe environment.

 

The AFL has a Club Safeguarding Checklist on the Play AFL website along with a Child Safeguarding Officer position description which will help clubs.  In addition to this, Sport integrity Australia (SIA) also has a range of resources available.


Themed Round Toolkit


This has been updated with the dates for the local themed rounds. Please use this can assist in supporting local planning.


National Volunteer Week (NVW) Planning: May 18-24

NVW is a great opportunity for clubs & leagues to celebrate volunteers in a meaningful way.


e.g. Plan for daily volunteer celebrations on socials. Clubs plan how to make Volunteers the ‘VIPs’ for a match day (where players take the reins & volunteers put their feet up).


Junior volunteers run through player guard of honor & a banner and are thanked on ground. Each club nominates 4+ volunteers in the National Awards.


Get someone new to shadow each role to help with on-the-job learning. etc.


Action: Clubs start planning now.



Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards - Nominations OPEN!

Each year the AFL (with thanks to the AFL Naming Rights Partner: Toyota) recognise volunteers/administrators for their outstanding contribution to Australian Football through the Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards.


To view the criteria and vote for your clubs volunteers click the link -


Volunteering Victoria - 2026 Volunteering Awards

Closes - 27th May.

Celebrating the commitment, diversity and impact of Victoria’s volunteering community. The Victorian Volunteering Awards are an opportunity to recognise and thank volunteers across Victoria for the incredible contributions they make to our state and local communities. Showcasing excellence by individuals and organisations, the Awards are run by Volunteering Victoria with the support of the Victorian State Government.



eSafety Commission Webinars - Online Safety 101 & Social Media Self-Defence

Online Safety 101 - Will be held on 12.30pm 14th May & 12.30pm 12th November. 45 minute webinar help community sports clubs understand online harm, respond to issues, and create a safer more positive online environment using practical tips and resources.


Social Media Self- Defence - Will be held 1.00pm 26th May & 12.30pm 18th November. This webinar supports athletes, coaches and officials to understand online abuse, use social media more safely, respond to and de-escalate issues, and access reporting pathways, support services and free resources.


To register for both webinars click here - Resources for sport | eSafety Commissioner


Set the Standard - Vic Health

As part of the Set the Standard campaign, VicHealth is providing free, practical, in-person anti-racism

training (valued at $2,500) to help clubs build safer, more inclusive environments.

Training is suitable for:

• Club committee members

• Coaches and team managers

• Volunteer coordinators and leaders

• Member protection and inclusion officers

• Groups of up to 20 participants per session

Training format:

Duration: 1 hour

Mode: in-person

Location: venue selected by the club

Delivery period: flexible until November 202


Club expressions of interest are now open - Take Action


Good Sports - Reminder

Good Sports supports over 12,000 Australian community sporting clubs to reduce harms from alcohol and other drugs – fostering a healthier, safer and more family friendly environment for all. The program will strengthen your club policies and practices around alcohol consumption, sales and management, illegal drug use, safe transport, safe celebrations and mental health support.


A majority of clubs in the AFL Goulburn Murray region are signed up as members. This is a reminder to click the link and see what opportunities and value Good Sports provides to member clubs.






The 2026 AFL season has officially kicked off!

That means it’s time for another huge season of Community Auskick in 2026!


If your child is aged 5–12 and loves running around, learning new skills and having good clean fun, Auskick is the perfect place to start their footy journey.

  •  Learn the basics of AFL

  •  Build confidence and teamwork

  •  Make new friends

  •  Have a blast every week!


Find your nearest Community Auskick centre and register today:


For more information regarding opportunities for your child to participate in footy please contact: Mel.saunders@afl.com.auThe 2026 AFL season has officially kicked off!


What is NAB AFL Superkick and where can I play?


Superkick is for every kid aged 7–12, no matter their skill level or background. Fun, friendship and footy guaranteed.


NAB AFL Superkick is a modified version of AFL designed specifically for children aged 7–12 years to help develop their skills without the pressure of full competition.


What makes Superkick great:

• Tackle free (tag) gameplay

• Highly social and fun environment

• Shorter seasons

• One location, once a week

• No additional training required


Each week includes one 60-minute session, with approximately 20–30 minutes of skill development followed by up to 40 minutes of modified match play, allowing participants to put their skills into action in a game setting.

Superkick is a great option for:

• Kids new to footy

• Kids wanting to build confidence and develop their skills

• Current or past players who want to play more footy with friends


SUPERCHARGE YOUR HALF TIME - NAB AFL Superkick is now bringing the energy to AFL games.


Superkickers may have the chance to take part in half time activations at AFL matches, giving kids the opportunity to experience footy on the big stage in front of a live crowd - a memory that can last a lifetime.


Local Superkick Centres:

• Shepparton East

• Shepparton Swans

• Tatura

• Mooroopna

• Wandong

• Echuca

• Moama

• Kyabram

• Cobram

• Mansfield

• Rochester


All Girls Superkick Options:

• Shepparton & Surrounds

• Echuca & Surrounds


Find your nearest Community Superkick Centre here:



Federal Grant Opportunity - Game On: Teaming up for climate action

Australian Government will open a funding opportunity to clubs and council’s on June 11 and close July 8, 2026


The Game on: Teaming up for climate action program will deliver $35.262 million over 2 funding rounds and will run over 3 years from 2026–27 to 2028–29. The program was announced as part of the Support for the Net Zero Plan. Individual clubs can apply ($25K - $100K)


Container Deposit Scheme - Win a Million Cents!

CDS are running their Win a Million Cents campaign again in 2026. collect at least 50 eligible drink containers, find the nearest refund point, and return containers, complete the online entry for and upload the proof of return. The entry form will automatically calculate the number of entries.


Open: 10am Monday 4th May. Closes 11.59pm Sunday 14th June.


AAMI Clangers for Good

AAMI Clangers for good is back for 2026! Packed flippers instead of your footy boots? Clangers happen! Clangers could win someone or their club a share in $250,000.

Simply tell AAMI how they can help. This is their biggest prize pool ever and is available to local clubs and footy fans.


Bunnings Legend of the Tongs

Bunnings Legend of the Tongs is back for 2026! Clubs can nominate their legends for the chance to win weekly prize packs. Plus, a chance to win a trip for two to attend the AFL Footy Festival & 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final, and an additional $25,000 in Bunnings products & materials for the club. For more information and to nominate - click here https://www.bunnings.com.au/campaign/legend_of_the_tongs

Competition closes: 16 August 2026


Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant Program

Closes - 31st May 2026!


This grant program provides funding for community sport and active recreation organisations across Victoria. Funding closes soon; on the 31 of May. st Grants of up to $2,000 can be accessed to replace or repair essential sport or first aid equipment that has been lost or destroyed because of unpreventable incidents, including bushfire, flood, and more.


Click the link for more information -


Australian Sports Foundation

Grassroots football clubs should consider using the Australian Sports Foundation as it allows clubs to raise funds through tax-deductible donations. This makes it easier to attract support from individuals, businesses and major donors while increasing credibility and reach. Clubs can use the platform to fundraise for projects such as facility upgrades, equipment, participation programs and other club development initiatives.

Click the link to find out more - https://asf.org.au/eofy-new


Cool Heads - Young Driver Program

Shepparton Victoria Police, Greater Shepparton City Council and local agencies have been working together to educate young drivers with a free interactive education program, Cool Heads, since April 2008.

 

The Cool Heads program is more than just a road safety message, it is an opportunity for young drivers and parents to understand fully the consequences associated with road trauma and to discuss safe driving with police and guest presenters. The program aims to educate young and inexperienced drivers of the consequences of risky and dangerous behaviour when driving a motor vehicle.

 

Cool Heads is a realistic, interactive and confronting program which reinforces that every risk taken on the road, whether small or big, can have extremely serious results.

 

The program has been very successful attracting attendance in excess of 100 participants to many of the sessions with Cool Heads also being used by the Court as a means of raising awareness of young driving offenders to the consequences of their actions. Program evaluations illustrate that the program is very popular amongst attendees, and highly relevant to their needs.

 

There is no cost to attend Cool Heads and the program is open to anyone from the community and court system aged 16 years and up. A certificate of attendance is also available if required.

 

We are encouraging all clubs to attend with teams in your club gear to help share this vital message.

 

Use the QR code to register a FREE seat or click here:

 

Please note: This will be the only Coolheads Program for Shepparton in 2026.



Coach Registrations - Assistance Links

Please find videos links to LMS walk-through videos that steps coaches through the accreditation process from start to finish.



AFL Victoria - Sit Down To Coach Round

AFL Victoria are pleased to confirm the dates for the proposed Sit Down to Coach Round across

Victoria.


As we look to tackle the challenges of Coach Behaviour on Match Day and help create better

environments for all participants in our sport, players, umpires, volunteers and spectators, Sit Down

Round will be hosted across Victoria for the first time on Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May.


On this weekend, Coaches and additional people in the coaches box (i.e. Runners, Trainers and

Assistant Coaches) will be asked to sit down to coach. This comes off the back of incredible success in

South Australia through the SANFL Junior competition where they have seen much improved results

in umpire ratings of coaches behaviour on match day, reducing the ‘poor ratings’ (1 or 2 out of 5)

from 165 in season 2023 before Sit Down Round was introduced to now 45 poor ratings in 2025

when Sit Down round was implemented every week throughout their season


Any club (playing a home game that round) wishing to champion this great initiative, please reach out to AFLGM Club Development Lead - John Thompson - john.thompson@aflgm.com.au


Coach Education Opportunities


Applications OPEN for the following W&G programs




🏉 Registrations to Umpire for the 2026 season are now OPEN!


Stay involved in footy, and develop your skills with support from experienced coaches. Field, Boundary & Goal Umpires all welcome.








Community Umpiring Week - 13th to 19th April.

Community Umpiring week celebrates and thanks all umpires at community level of football. Highlighting the important job umpires undertake to ensure the continued success of the game.

We encourage you to thank your local umpires over community umpire week through your social media channels and on game day.




Complaints Management Webinar

AFL Goulburn Murray has partnered with AFL North East Border to bring you the Complaints Management Webinar.


The webinar will be presented by AFL's Community Football Operations Compliance Lead Tim Martin and will focus on complaints management and escalation, running for approximately 45 minutes.


The webinar will be held on Monday 18 May 2026 from 6:00pm.


Please register by clicking here.

 

CCSP - 8d Rulings

Any 8d ruling requests should be submitted on club letterhead and sent to your league operations manager or directly to Jo Spencer via jo.spencer@aflgm.com.au

 

When in doubt of what should be included or excluded on the Player Payment Budget, seek advice or seek a ruling in advance under clause 8d.



AFL Women & Girls Charter

Signing up to the AFL Women & Girls' Charter demonstrates a club's commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for women and girls at all levels of the game. The Charter supports clubs to strengthen participation, leadership and development opportunities, while reinforcing positive club culture, respect and equality. This should be a straightforward decision for every club president in the region.

Click the link to get started - W&G Charter


Coach Your Way

Coach Your Way is a big focus for the Coaching and Women and Girls teams combined. Regions and Leagues are beginning to lock in sessions at clubs across the state. The Coaching team will be chatting to each region/league over the next couple of weeks to support the push for CYW workshops, please consider which of the clubs in your league/region could host a CYW workshop.


Clubs that are interested in hosting a CYW workshop are asked to complete below EOI. ‘Coach Your Way‘ Expression of Interest - Coach Your Way - Club EOI



WorkSafe- Mental Health & Wellbeing Competition

Sign up for a free WorkSafe Mental Health and Wellbeing workshop for your chance to win a meet and greet with Emily Mannix at your club or association. More information WorkSafe Health & Wellbeing Programs - Netball VIC

 

NEW Beginner Coach resources!

We are very excited to release the first instalment of Netball Victoria's Beginner Coach resources. These are designed for first time coaches, coaches who would like a refresher and those new to the game. It is also perfect to share with parents, supporters and spectators. We loved making and creating this and would love to make more resources that will help your communities. Let us know what you might like - email workforce@netballvic.com.au and let us know what you need!

 

Coaches in the Field Workshops

Are you looking to further develop your coaches? Netball Victoria continues to offer “Coaches in the Field” workshops from grassroots level through to Intermediate accredited coaches. These sessions help build coaching skills and knowledge and offer opportunities for coaches to progress through Netball Australia’s Coach Accreditation Pathway. All workshops are delivered by Netball Victoria’s most experienced Coach Developers. More information Coaches in the Field - Netball VIC

 

Become a Netball Victoria Community Umpire

What do NV Community Umpires need?• C Badge accreditation or higher• WWCC (if 18+ years)• Be registered on Netball Connect as a NV Community Umpire

What do NV Community Umpires get?• Details of upcoming paid umpiring opportunities• To pick & choose what opportunities they are available for - no ongoing commitment!• Discounted umpire development opportunities and other bonuses

 

Free Anti-Racism Training in Community Sport

A free course through Netball Learning (Netball Australia’s Learning platform) is now available to help tackle racism in community sport. This course will assist to prepare your club or association to be a safe space and to intervene in the moment that an act of racism occurs during a match or event. Users will need to sign up for or log in to their Netball Learning account. Log in here

 

Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant Program

The Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant program provides funding for community sport and active recreation organisations across Victoria. Funding will be available to 31 May 2026 or until funding is exhausted.

 


For specific club support please get in touch with the Club Development Lead:


John Thompson

0422 768 867

 
 
 

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