Beyond the Boundary Edition #40
- 2 days ago
- 15 min read
FROM THE REGION MANAGER
AFLW Community Camps
Check out the fantastic photos from the recent Collingwood Football Club AFLW community visits across the southern part of the region, including Wandong, Broadford, Mansfield, Nagambie, Alexandra and Yea.
A huge thank you to the Community Team at Collingwood Football Club, the Mansfield Junior and Senior Football Clubs, the AFL Victoria Participation Team and the AFL Goulburn Murray Community Team for helping deliver such a positive experience for our clubs, schools and young participants.
Essendon AFLW team visit Shepparton, Echuca / Moama and Cobram in June.
AFL Goulburn Murray Holds 2025 Annual General Meeting
The AFL Goulburn Murray Annual General Meeting for the 2025 financial year was recently held, providing an opportunity to reflect on a year of continued investment, collaboration, and strategic planning across the region.
The Commission reported an operating loss of ($26,780) for the financial year, with Commission Chair Quentin Thomson highlighting the organisation’s ongoing commitment to investing in the long-term sustainability and growth of community football and netball.
A key highlight of 2025 was the Commission’s continued investment in the jointly funded Club Development Lead role and broader Club Development initiatives across the region. These initiatives have focused on supporting clubs in areas including governance, volunteer development, planning, and long-term sustainability.
Mr Thomson also acknowledged the significant body of work undertaken through the “What We Heard” report, which captured valuable feedback and insights from leagues, clubs, volunteers, and stakeholders across Goulburn Murray. The report will continue to help inform future planning and transition to the new Governance model.
In addressing those in attendance and online, Mr Thomson advised that this would be the final Annual General Meeting of the current Commission, with the transition to the new Regional Council to come into effect following 30 October this year.
He thanked fellow Commissioners and staff for their efforts and commitment throughout the journey of the Commission, while also acknowledging the tireless contribution of league and club volunteers across the region.
“Community football and netball simply does not operate without the passion and commitment of volunteers who continue to give their time to support their clubs and communities,” Mr Thomson said.
Following the Annual General Meeting, a Commission meeting was held where Quentin Thomson, Bruce Rowley and Greg Freer were elected to fill Casual Vacancies on the Commission.
Recruiting Clubs – Join a National Headgear Trial
Concussion continues to be a growing concern in collision sports such as Australian Football and Rugby.
Promising laboratory findings have shown strong potential for this headgear technology, with a national field trial now underway to assess its effectiveness in real-game environments.
What’s Involved?
No disruption to normal play
Headgear and ongoing support provided
Players with suspected concussion incidents receive a free neurology assessment (in-person or via telehealth)
This is a valuable opportunity for clubs to contribute to important research aimed at improving player safety across community sport.
For more information contact:
DR. Stuart McDonald
In Case you Missed It: AFL Victoria Org Chart
Upcoming Key Dates May
Sir Doug Nichols Round 14–24
18 - 24 National Volunteers Week
19 - 20 Collingwood Football Club AFLW Community Camp visit to Mansfield.
July
1 July - TAC Club Rewards Launch
5th - 12th July NAIDOC Week
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.
Updated AFL Community Concussion Guidelines
Over the past few months, the AFL have worked to review and update the AFL Community Concussion Guidelines for 2026. The updated Guidelines are now available on the AFL Play Concussion Hub.
Key Documents:
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.
Links here: National Volunteer Week & Volunteer Recruitment Tips & Tip Sheet (Why Register as a Volunteer)
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.
Click here to nominate - Victorian Volunteering Awards - Volunteering Victoria
Australian Sports Commission - Social Templates
To recognise volunteers at your club.
Click the link - National Volunteer Week 2026 | ASC
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.
Auskicker of the Week - Week 3
Congratulations to our Auskicker of the Week - Yakoa!
Yakoa has joined us as apart of the Warma Auskick program for the last few years and has really grown both his confidence and footy skills. We can’t wait to see him rise to the occasion when he takes the field at the MCG next Friday night!
We love celebrating the future stars of footy across our region and can’t wait to recognise more outstanding participants throughout the season.
Want to be apart of the fun? Register now at your local Auskick Centre for your chance to join the fun and become a future Auskicker of the Week!
For more information, please contact:
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
Click the link - Forecast Opportunity View - FO2025-5550: GrantConnect
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.
Click here for FAQ's and to enter - Win a Million Cents! - Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme
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.
Click here - https://www.afl.com.au/competitions
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.
WorkSafe Footy's Favourite Farmer
Nominations are now open for the annual Footy’s Favourite Farmer competition, celebrating the incredible individuals who shine both on the farm and at the local oval. The competition, run in partnership with AFL Victoria, awards $10,000 to the winning farmer to put towards farm safety improvements, and another $10,000 for upgrades to their local football netball club.
Click the link - WorkSafe Footy's Favourite Farmer 2026
Set The Standard - $1000 Club Support Vouchers Up For Grabs!
As an incentive for clubs, anyone who signs up for their newsletter between 18 May - 14 June will th go in the draw to win 1 of 3 x $1,000 club support vouchers. th Clubs can use the vouchers for things like equipment, uniforms, facility improvements, education sessions or community events. Alongside this, subscribers will also receive ongoing tools, tips and resources to support more inclusive club environments. Win a $1,000 voucher for your sports club for more information and VicHealth Brand Portal for a toolkit to promote with your clubs
TAC Club Rewards To Launch Tuesday 25 May
Link for First Stage Application for all clubs available here upon launch: https://aflvic.smartygrants.com.au/2026TACClubRewards
Love The Game Sign Up Drive
Clubs who SIGN UP to Love the Game before May 31 go into the running for a Collingwood v North Melbourne behind the scenes experience! Please push promo direct to clubs where able this week, link : https://lovethegame.vic.gov.au/join-love-game/
Coach Registrations - Assistance Links
Please find videos links to LMS walk-through videos that steps coaches through the accreditation process from start to finish.
New Coach - https://vimeo.com/1131552686?fl=pl&fe=cm
Returning Coaches - https://vimeo.com/1131548997?fl=pl&fe=cm
AFL ID - How To Video - https://vimeo.com/1020773954?fl=pl&fe=cm
Coach Accreditation - https://vimeo.com/1131913553?fl=pl&fe=cm
Framework - https://vimeo.com/1131913553?fl=pl&fe=cm
Coach Education Opportunities
Applications OPEN for the following W&G programs
UMPowered Coaching Conference 2026 - (Umpiring Coaching)
🏉 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.
Kyabram District League Celebrates it Annual Say No To Violence Round
The Kyabram District League held their annual Say No to Violence round on 16 May 2026. This round is a whole of league, whole of community response to Raise Awareness of and Prevent Family Violence in our communities. This round sends a powerful message that Violence is not acceptable in any way shape or form.
Sporting clubs are the grass roots of our communities and as senior players, as leaders, we must all lead the way for our future generations.
The motto for the day is ‘You Can’t Shake a Hand with a Closed Fist’.
Think twice before you strike!
The force of violent actions or any other form of violence can have a huge impact on a person’s life, their family, and some people’s entire lives.
The Say No to Violence rounds have been promoting anti-violence messages throughout our communities for the past thirteen years. These rounds signify a movement within sporting clubs, as we all band together and say enough is enough, we as a community Say No to Violence, in any way shape or form.
We must all lead by example and pave the way for a brighter, happier, and safer future for all.
Ahead of all Senior football and A Grade Netball matches, players will line up, at every home game this weekend, to ensure consistent community messaging. Together we must all stand strong. Thank you to all players, umpires, and club officials for taking part in this line up and leading the way for change.
We ask you to join us in making the commitment "To Say No To Violence!"
Goulburn Murray Women & Girls will hold their round on the 31 May whilst the the Goulburn Valley League will hold theirs on the 30 May.
Spirit of Football & Netball Round
The Goulburn Murray Juniors will be holding the annual Spirit of Football Round, with the Southern club Netball games being included as Spirit of Netball.
The Spirit of Football/Netball Round will fall on the weekend of 19th – 21st June, which falls in the below rounds for each respective Competitions/Leagues:
Goulburn Murray Juniors: All Football & Netball - Round 9 (Round 5)
Goulburn Murray Women & Girls: Youth Girls - Round 10
Kyabram District League: Football Under 15s - Round 10
Murray Football League: Football Under 14s & Under 17s - Round 12
The Spirit of Football/Netball Round will be centred around three main qualities, sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play. The Round encourages players to embody the true essence of the game by demonstrating respect towards opponents, officials, and teammates alike. It is an opportunity for clubs to showcase their commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive sporting environment. We hope to see multiple players display all three qualities when competing out on the field.
At the commencement of the game, coaches are to work with their captains to help identify a player from the opposing team that displayed sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play throughout the match. Both teams, along with the umpires, will then form a huddle with the team captains to congratulate the opposing team on the match played and present the Spirit of Football/Netball medal to the opposition player.
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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