Beyond the Boundary Edition #45
- 3 days ago
- 13 min read
FROM THE REGION MANAGER
Shaun Connell
The transition of regional football governance continues to gather momentum across the Goulburn Murray region and represents an important milestone in strengthening local decision-making and sustainable competition management.
Following recent progress across the region, GVL Club Presidents met this week with the GVL Board to confirm the League's future operational model, with the Board now moving forward with implementation of the agreed structure. At the same time, the KDL Executive has commenced recruitment for its Operations role and continues to progress planning to ensure readiness for self-administration following 31 October 2026, while the GVFUA is also well advanced in its transition planning. Against this backdrop, clubs participating in the Goulburn Murray junior and women & girls competitions are now being encouraged to review the proposed Goulburn Murray League transition documents and provide feedback on the future governance and administration model. The proposal aligns with the broader regional focus on strong governance, sustainable competition structures and locally-led decision-making that will support football's continued growth and success across the region.
Following recent RAC Transition meeting, member clubs of the Goulburn Murray Juniors and Women & Girls competitions have been provided with a comprehensive Club Information Pack outlining the proposed transition arrangements ahead of the AFL Goulburn Murray Regional Administration Centre concluding its services on 31 October 2026.
The proposal centres on establishing a new incorporated entity, (Working Title) the Goulburn Murray League (GML), which would assume responsibility for the governance and administration of the existing junior and women & girls competitions from October 31 2026 onwards. Under the proposed model:
Existing junior and women & girls competitions would continue.
No changes are proposed to the age divisions offered in 2026.
Current participating clubs would become foundation members of the new league.
Governance would be undertaken by a locally appointed Board operating under a Constitution and League By-Laws.
The Club Information Pack includes: Click Here
Draft Constitution
Draft By-Laws
Consolidated Junior and Women & Girls Competition Rules
Board Member Expression of Interest documentation
Board Member Position Description
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the proposed operating model and transition arrangements.
Importantly, the consultation process provides clubs with an opportunity to help shape the future governance and operation of football in the region. Feedback received will assist in refining the Constitution and Competition Rules before the incorporation of the new entity and the transition to local governance.
Clubs are strongly encouraged to review the materials, discuss the proposals within their committee structures, and provide feedback through the online survey by COB Thursday 6 August 2026. CLICK HERE FOR SURVEY
This transition represents a significant opportunity for clubs to have a direct voice in establishing a sustainable, locally governed competition structure that supports participation, growth and community football outcomes across the Goulburn Murray region.
For further information, clubs can contact Shaun Connell, AFL Victoria Region Manager - Goulburn Murray.
Child Safety: Everyone's Responsibility Link: Safeguarding Children & Young People - Play AFL
Creating and maintaining a child safe environment is more than a compliance requirement. It is a fundamental responsibility that helps clubs build trust, attract new participants, and retain members, volunteers and families over the long term.
Across both Victoria and New South Wales, sporting and community clubs must remain vigilant in meeting their child safeguarding obligations. In Victoria, organisations that work with children are required to comply with the 11 Child Safe Standards, while New South Wales organisations are guided by the NSW Child Safe Scheme and the Child Safe Standards overseen by the NSW Office of the Children's Guardian.
Strong child safeguarding practices help create environments where children and young people feel safe, respected and included. Research consistently shows that organisations with safe, welcoming and inclusive cultures are better positioned to attract and retain participants, volunteers and families, strengthening their long-term sustainability.
Importantly, safeguarding extends well beyond responding to obvious child protection concerns. Clubs should regularly review their policies, practices and culture to ensure they are meeting broader obligations, including:
Compliance with governing body rules, regulations and codes of conduct.
Appropriate screening, training and supervision of volunteers and officials.
Respectful behaviour standards and member welfare requirements.
Inclusion, diversity and anti-discrimination responsibilities.
Meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, recognising and respecting First Nations cultures, perspectives and participation.
Creating environments where all children, regardless of background or ability, feel safe and valued.
Every committee member, coach, official, volunteer and participant plays a role in safeguarding children. By remaining proactive, regularly reviewing club practices and fostering a culture of safety, respect and inclusion, clubs can ensure they not only meet their legal obligations but continue to be welcoming places where young people and families want to belong.
A child safe club is a stronger club, both now and into the future.
Regional Participation
Registrations across AFL Goulburn Murray are tracking positively overall, with total current registrations at 9,500, up 263 registrations on the prior year-to-date total of 9,237, representing overall growth of 3%.
This result indicates a solid regional registration position, with growth being driven by strong performances across junior football, women and girls participation, and several senior community football competitions. Key Take Outs
The region is in a positive overall position, with registrations up 263 year-on-year and current registrations at 9,500.
Goulburn Murray Juniors is the largest contributor by volume and remains central to the region’s participation base.
Goulburn Murray Women & Girls has seen the strongest percentage increase across the region, increasing by approximately 17.4%. While this represents a positive participation trend, preliminary discussion with clubs indicates that the number may be more influenced by players registered as one-off matches rather than being multiple game players. To gain a clearer understanding of sustainable participation outcomes, we are currently undertaking a more detailed review of club-level registration data and conducting one-on-one meetings with clubs to better understand their individual participation profiles and growth drivers.
Strong growth is visible across the major football leagues, with the Murray Football League, Kyabram District Football Netball League and Goulburn Valley Football League all ahead of prior YTD.
Club-level highlights include Cobram & District Juniors, Echuca United FNC, Moama JFC (W&G), Shepparton Swans FNC, Tatura FNC, Avenel FNC and Tongala FNC.
In Case you Missed It:
Upcoming Key Dates
August
📅 August 9 / Goulburn Murray Women & Girls Preliminary Finals
📅 August 9 / Goulburn Murray Juniors Semi Finals
📅 August 16 / Goulburn Murray Women & Girls Grand Finals
📅 August 16 / Goulburn Murray Juniors Preliminary Finals
📅 August 21 / Goulburn Murray Women & Girls Best & Fairest
📅 August 23 / Goulburn Murray Juniors Grand Finals
📅 August 24 / TAC Club Rewards Program Closes
📅 August 30 / Goulburn Murray Juniors Best & Fairest
September
📅 September 21 / Toyota Good for Footy Raffle Closes
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 – Sam Monaghan
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.
Please head here for more information or to report a child safeguarding matter, please lodge through the AFL Integrity Portal or contact AFLGM Club Development Lead for further guidance and support.
TAC Club Rewards
The TAC and AFL Victoria have partnered together for 34 years, working to achieve the vision of no deaths or serious injuries on our roads. As part of the program, all AFL Victoria-aligned clubs across regional Victoria and in the metropolitan leagues can take part and earn up to $10,000 in funding by promoting road safety in their community. This year we're tackling speeding driving. Road Safety Round will take place over the weekend of 23-26th July 2026. Applications close Monday 24 August (SURVEY LINK: AFL Victoria Road Use Survey)
NSW Local Sport Grant Program (LSGP) 2026/27
The Local Sport Grant Program aims to increase regular and on-going participation opportunities in sport in NSW. The Program aims to increase regular and on-going participation opportunities in sport in NSW. Grants between $2,000 and $20,000 are available to incorporated, not-for-profit sporting clubs and associations through a competitive and open process. Applications closes 24 August 2026, 1:00 pm
SRV Regional All Abilities Participation Grants
The Regional All Abilities Participation Grants help deliver inclusive opportunities for people with a disability in regional Victoria to participate and thrive. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for equipment, travel, inclusion workforce, and programs and disability-led initiatives. Closes Monday 12 August
Toyota Good for Footy Raffle
The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle gives 100% of funds raised helping invest in the things that matter most to your players, volunteers and community. Tickets are just $5. Plus, you could win one of three brand new Toyota vehicles, exclusive AFL experiences, coaching clinics and more. When your club raises funds, it builds a stronger season ahead. That's Good for Footy! Ticket sales close 21 September 2026 at 12.00pm
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. Closes: 16 August 2026
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.
Join the AFL Vic Team in Goulburn Murray
Love community sport and making a difference? AFL is looking for enthusiastic Game Development Officers to help grow football across the Goulburn Murray region.
From delivering NAB AFL Auskick, Superkick, AFL Nines and Sporting Schools programs to supporting local clubs, schools and participation initiatives, you'll play a key role in creating positive football experiences for young people.
You don’t need to be a footy expert — just bring energy, great communication skills and a passion for working with kids and local communities. If you enjoy being active, building relationships and helping others get involved in sport, we’d love to hear from you.
Click the image below for more information: (note that this is for the Goulburn Murray region - disregard location mentioned)
AFL Victoria Junior Football Finals Charter - Webinar
In the lead-up to Junior Finals commencing in mid-August, the AFL Victoria Coaching and Umpiring teams will deliver an online webinar designed for Junior coaches across Victoria competing in finals.
This session aims to support coaches and club staff in creating a positive, well-managed experience that benefits players, umpires, and the wider football community.
REGISTER TO ATTEND: Your Actions, Their Game - Pre Finals Webinar 2026
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
(A calendar invite including the Teams link will be sent following registration.)
AFL VIC Coaches Forum 2027
AFL Vic will once again be hosting the AFL Victoria Coaches Forum in 2027. A date has been confirmed, and the event will once again be hosted at the MCG, this time on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 February. This will also be part of a wider AFL Victoria Season Launch event for several streams of community football, more details on this event will be coming shortly.
Registrations to Umpire for the 2026 season are still OPEN!
Stay involved in footy and develop your skills with support from experienced coaches. Field, Boundary & Goal Umpires all welcome.
GMJ - Sit Down Round
Last weekend, all Goulburn Murray Juniors teams proudly participated in the AFL's Sit Down Round initiative. Throughout the round, coaches and additional support staff in the coaches’ box — including runners, trainers and assistant coaches — remained seated for the duration of the game.
This initiative builds on the success of our annual Spirit of Footy Netball rounds and reinforces the important message that junior sport is about children enjoying the opportunity to play football in a positive and supportive environment, free from unnecessary pressure from officials and spectators on the sidelines.
In addition, all spectators remained behind the boundary fence for the entirety of the match and did not enter team huddles during quarter-time breaks. This approach helped create a player-focused environment where junior footballers could enjoy the game for the right reasons - participation, development and enjoyment.
The initiative proved to be extremely successful, with overwhelmingly positive feedback received across the competition. We sincerely thank all junior clubs for embracing the concept and supporting its implementation across every team throughout the round.
Goulburn Murray Juniors looks forward to exploring the opportunity to bring the Sit Down Round initiative back again in 2027.
GMJ - Junior Finals
As we enter the final round of the Goulburn Murray Juniors Home & Away season, the excitement of finals Football and Netball is fast approaching for our Under 16s, Under 14s, Under 12 Southern Competitions, and all Netball grades.
This is one of the most exciting times of the year, with the top teams from across the Competitions coming together to compete in high-stakes matches for the opportunity to ultimately be crowned Premiers.
The first week of finals will be hosted at Mooroopna and Alexandra, followed by Week 2 at Tatura and Broadford. The season will culminate with what promises to be a fantastic Grand Final spectacle, to be held at Kings Park and Deakin Reserve.
We extend our sincere thanks to Mooroopna JFC, Alexandra JFNC, Tatura JFC, Broadford JFNC Club, Shepparton United JFC, and Seymour JFNC for generously hosting matches throughout the finals series.
We wish all teams the very best as they prepare for finals and thank all players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and supporters for their contribution throughout the season.
Most importantly, let’s continue to remember that these events are about the players and providing them with the opportunity to enjoy the game in a positive, supportive and respectful environment.
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
Netball Connect:
Netball Connect – Emergency Saturday Phone Assistance 9am-11am.
We are providing Saturday phone support for our affiliates with emergency, competition critical Netball Connect issues. This service will operate between 9am and 11am on Saturdays. Please note this is for competition critical issues only. The phone number is 03 9321 2299. For general Netball Connect enquiries, training questions or non-urgent support, please continue to use the usual Netball Victoria support channels and Netball Connect resources:
If you still can't find the right information on our NV website use the Ask Netti via the chat icon or Submit a Request here.
Netball Australia:
Volunteer Action Plan
As part of Netball Australia's Volunteer Action Plan, a new suite of resources are now available across a broad ranch of areas. These are designed to assist and support volunteers, making things easier, more rewarding and successful. https://netball.com.au/volunteers
Survey – Associations and Clubs
Netball Australia have released a survey to gather information about how netball affiliates are managed, particularly those that have a combination of volunteer and paid staff and administration. The results will help inform the future of the sport to best support participation growth and demands, governance requirements and long-term sustainability of associations, leagues and clubs. You can access the survey here
Umpires:
NEW! Beginner Umpire Resource
Netball Victoria has created a great new resource for beginner umpires! This resource includes a whole range of information for beginner umpires - what they need to know to start the game, how to penalise infringements, explanation of common rules, where to position, what hand signals they need to know and loads more! Share this resource with your umpire mentors and beginner umpires.
Partner Offers & Grants:
Front Runners - Carpool Grant
With petrol and diesel prices set to rise again, FrontRunners, a non-profit founded by David Pocock, is looking for clubs interested in being part of a carpooling pilot program to help reduce environmental impact and save money.
Grants of up to $2500 are available for individual community clubs. Interested in hearing more? Email team@frontrunners.org.au with 'carpool pilot' in your subject line. More information here FrontRunners carpool invitation (1).pdf
Netball Victoria Community Support Grants – Hardship & Disaster Relief funding
Netball Victoria has established the 2026 Disaster Relief Program under its Community Support Program to provide targeted financial assistance to affiliated clubs, associations, leagues and families impacted by natural disaster events during 2026. The hardship grant can also be accessed and applied for through this link. Community Support Program - Netball VIC
State Government – Community Recovery Grants Program
Community groups and not-for-profit organisations in bushfire-affected Victorian council areas can now apply for grants of up to $75,000 to deliver locally led recovery initiatives that help communities reconnect, rebuild and strengthen resilience following the January 2026 bushfires. Funding can support a wide range of projects, including community wellbeing events, workshops, trauma-informed training, psychological first aid programs, and emergency preparedness resources. With applications open until 31 August 2026, this is an excellent opportunity for organisations to secure funding for projects that address the unique recovery needs of their local communities. For more information and to apply, visit the Victorian Government's Community Recovery Grants Program.
Netball Administration Opportunity & Workshops:
Greater Shepparton and Northern Zone Affiliates - Building the future of netball administration in regional Victoria.
Netball Victoria is returning to the Greater Shepparton and Northern Zone region for the final round of the Netball Administration Program workshops and education delivery. This is the final scheduled delivery round for the region as part of the SRV Sustainable Volunteer Workforce Program Grant.
Eligible affiliates participating in the program may have access to funding support to explore more sustainable administration models for their organisation.
This is the last round of delivery.
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AFFILIATE UPLIFT WORKSHOP - SUNDAY 2 AUGUST 2026 - 10AM TO 2PM
A practical workshop designed to help clubs, leagues and associations:
strengthen governance and leadership capability
identify operational pressure points
explore sustainable administration models
and prepare for future growth and support pathways
Ideal for: Presidents, Committees, Operational volunteers, Future organisation leaders
NETBALL ADMINISTRATION WORKSHOP - SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER 2026 - 10AM TO 2PM
Focused on practical administration capability and future-ready operations. Topics include:
competition administration
systems and Netball Connect
governance and compliance
administration workflows
sustainable support models
and pathways to paid administration support
Ideal for: Registrars, Competition administrators, Committee members, Operational volunteers, Existing or future paid administrators, Anyone wanting to build confidence in netball administration operations
For specific club support, please get in touch with the Club Development Lead:
Sam Monaghan
0407 147 563
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