Beyond the Boundary Edition #46
- 11 minutes ago
- 13 min read
FROM THE REGION MANAGER
Shaun Connell
Lead the Future of One of Victoria's Premier Regional Sporting Competitions
The Goulburn Valley League is embarking on an exciting new chapter and, for the first time, is seeking a General Manager to lead the League under an independent administration model.
This is a unique leadership opportunity to shape the future of football and netball across one of Australia's most respected regional sporting competitions. Working closely with the GVL Board, clubs, AFL Victoria, sponsors, local government and community stakeholders, the successful candidate will drive strategic growth, strengthen partnerships, oversee league operations and help build a sustainable and thriving future for the League.
The GVL is looking for an experienced leader who brings:
Strong commercial and financial acumen
Outstanding stakeholder and relationship management skills
Experience working with Boards and governance structures
A passion for community sport and regional communities
The ability to turn strategy into meaningful outcomes
This role offers the chance to make a lasting impact on clubs, volunteers, players and communities throughout the Goulburn Valley region while helping shape the next era of football and netball.
Location: Goulburn Valley Region, Victoria
Applications are now open: CLICK HERE
Goulburn Murray League Board Expression of Interest
As part of the establishment of the new Goulburn Murray League Inc., an Expression of Interest (EOI) process will shortly open for individuals interested in serving as Board Members of the League. The GML is being formed to provide local governance and management of junior football & netball and women's football competitions across the Goulburn Murray region, with a Board responsible for strategic direction, governance and long-term sustainability.
We are seeking people with a passion for community football and experience in areas such as governance, finance, risk management, business, law, community development or sport administration. Board Members will play an important role in helping shape the future of football in our region and ensuring the League is well-positioned for success.
Further information regarding Board positions, eligibility requirements, nomination processes and timelines will be released next week.
Watch this space for more details.
If you know someone with the skills, experience and commitment to contribute to the future of football in the Goulburn Murray region, we encourage you to start the conversation now.
BTB PODCAST - Rhys Osborne
One of the challenges in football is that so much of an athlete’s identity can become tied to performance. We train, we play, we compete, and often that is how people are recognised. But what happens when the game is temporarily taken away?
In this episode our guest is Rhys Osborne. Rhys is a talented young footballer connected to Mooroopna and the Murray Bushrangers pathway. He was building momentum in his football journey when an KNEE injury forced him into a very different challenge.
This conversation is not only about an KNEE. It is about identity, perspective, resilience and connection. It is about what happens when things do not go to plan, who shows up around you, and what you learn about yourself when football can no longer be your primary focus.
For young athletes, parents, coaches and clubs, there are important lessons in this discussion. Football develops players. Challenging experience can also develop people.
In Case you Missed It:
Upcoming Key Dates
August
📅 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), Derek Lee (KDL), Connor Noakes (GMJ), Sam Heron (GMW&G), Jo Backway (Netball), Michelle Adams (Finance)
Murray League – Dale Norman
Club Help 
ASC Sport Volunteering Resource Hub 
Club Committee Roles - Role Description Templates
Good Sports - Safe Celebrations for Finals
Safe celebrations start with a plan.
Finals are nearly here, and we're looking forward to celebrating the season with all our clubs.
As everyone gets ready to let their hair down and enjoy the festivities, it's a good time to check in on your alcohol policy and make sure everything's in order, including current licensing, responsible service, and clear management of alcohol at your venue.
Good Sports has free resources to help you get the celebrations right. A good place to start is the Safe Celebrations Guide, with practical tips for managing alcohol safely at your club’s events.
And, if you’re registered with Good Sports, you can also access loads of other practical resources, including incident response procedures and additional safe transport planning tips - you’ll find everything through the Good Sports portal.
Put your safe celebrations plans in place now, and you can focus on enjoying the party later.
Already part of Good Sports? Log in to access resources on safe celebrations and more and check your progress towards Gold. Your Good Sports Relationship Manager is here to help, contact them through the ‘Contact Us’ link in the Portal.
Not part of Good Sports? Sign-up is free, and gives your club practical support on looking after your members this finals season and well into the future. Join Good Sports today
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.
Toyota Good for Footy Raffle 
Bunnings Legend of the Tongs 
TAC Club Rewards Program
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)
Felton Industries Outdoor Furniture Grants Program
They're looking to support innovative projects that enhance your outdoor space with Felton Industries' premium furniture. You can apply for one-off grants of up to $10,000 to be used on Felton Outdoor furniture. This is the perfect opportunity to transform your outdoor area, turning empty spaces into meeting places. Applications close 5pm, 28 August 2026
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 close 24 August 2026, 1:00 pm
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.
Unders: Programs to Juniors
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)
BHP AFLW Community Coach of the Year 
Creating an Inclusive Environment
2026 BHP AFLW Community Coach of the Year
Behind every thriving women’s and girls’ footy team is a coach who goes above and beyond. Whether they're building confidence, creating opportunities, inspiring the next generation or helping players fall in love with the game, these coaches make a lasting impact both on and off the field.
The BHP AFLW Community Coach of the Year Award celebrates the incredible people driving the growth of women’s and girls’ football in communities across Australia.
Know a coach making a difference in your community? Nominations for 2026 are now open.
Nominate here: BHP AFLW Community Coach of the Year - Intellistack (closes 30/09/2026)
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.
Laws of the Game 
AFLGM - Respect in Footy
300 Senior Games – Congratulations Christine Owen!
Over the weekend we celebrated an incredible milestone as Christine Owen officiated her 300th Senior Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association game.
Christine has etched her name into the history of the GVFUA, becoming the first female umpire to officiate 300 senior games with our association. It is a remarkable achievement that reflects years of dedication, professionalism and commitment to umpiring.
In 2024, Christine also became the first female Life Member of the GVFUA, recognising her outstanding contribution to our association both on and off the field.
Umpiring has always been a family affair for the Owen family. Christine's late husband, Arthur "Artie" Owen, also officiated more than 300 senior games and was a respected GVFUA Life Member. Their passion for umpiring has continued through the next generation, with both of their sons taking up the whistle. David Owen has also made a significant contribution to the GVFUA and is a Life Member of the association.
Christine's milestone is more than just 300 games—it is a celebration of breaking barriers, inspiring future generations of female umpires, and a lifetime of service to football in the Goulburn Valley.
Congratulations Christine on this historic achievement. We thank you for everything you have contributed to the GVFUA and wish you all the very best as you take the field for game number 300!
Andrew Moore - Regional Director of Umpiring
Goulburn Murray Women and Girls Finals
As we reach the Goulburn Murray Women & Girls Grand Final, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has played a part in another fantastic season of female football across our region.
To our club volunteers, delegates, coaches, officials and supporters – thank you. The time, energy and passion you continue to give is what makes this competition possible. Whether you’re coaching, running water, organising teams, coordinating behind the scenes or cheering from the sidelines, you are helping create opportunities for women and girls to play, belong and thrive in our game.
Having a strong and thriving female football competition here in the Goulburn Murray region is incredibly important. It allows our players to play the game they love close to home, while providing a pathway for the next generation to see that footy is a place for them.
It has been wonderful to see the continued passion for female football this season, and our focus now is to keep building on that momentum – particularly across our junior age groups. We want to see more girls picking up a footy, joining their local club and having the opportunity to progress through a strong local pathway for many years to come.
A sincere thank you to our valued partners, MBCM, Shepparton Toyota, and GV Hotel, for their support of female football and the Goulburn Murray Women & Girls competition. Your contribution helps us continue to grow and strengthen the game across our region.
To all teams competing in the Grand Finals, congratulations on reaching this point and best of luck. Enjoy the occasion, play with pride and make the most of the opportunity to represent your club on Grand Final day.
Finally, thank you to everyone who has supported the competition throughout the season. We should all be proud of how far female football has come in our region, and excited about where it can go next.
Sammy Heron - Goulburn Murray Women & Girls Coordinator
Goulburn Murray Juniors Finals
After a wet and muddy Semi Finals across Mooroopna and Alexandra, we now turn our heads to the Shepparton Toyota Goulburn Murray Juniors Preliminary Finals.
The action takes place at Tatura Park and Harley Hammond Reserve, where teams will battle it out for the final spot in their Grand Finals.
Good luck to all teams competing across Football and Netball!
Women & Girls Community Football Charter 
Online Club Charter Workshops 
AFL Vic Women & Girls Chartered Club Grants 2025
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 Assist 
Committee Resources 
RACV Albury Koorie Clinics & Introduction to Umpiring Workshops
Important Update: Transaction Fee Charge Changes in Netball Connect effective 1st October 2026
We would like to advise of a change to how transaction (payment) fees are applied in Netball Connect from 1 October 2026. Due to the Reserve Bank changes to Visa, Mastercard and eftpos payment rules, card transaction fees can no longer be added as a separate surcharge at checkout. Instead, these costs must be included in the advertised price. To learn more about what you have to do, please click here
Association Championships – Expression of Interest to Host 2027
If you are interested in hosting the Association Championships in your region in 2027, please review and complete the EOI form. Applications close on Friday 28th August 2026. Please direct any questions to competitions@netballvic.com.au. The EOI Form can be found here
Netball Community Awards:
Save the date (Sunday 18th October) and get your nominations in for: Association of the Year, Teacher of Year, NetSetGo Centre of the Year, Inclusive Netball Community of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Contributions to umpiring and coaching, and Work Safe Safety Initiative of the Year. Nominations close Monday 31 August. Access the nomination form and criteria here.
Free Anti-Racism Club Training:
Set the Standard – anti racism training. Free training provided by VicHealth
Set The Standard supports coaches and club leaders across Victoria to build culturally safer, more welcoming sporting spaces. Access simple tools, tips and resources to create more inclusive clubs, where everyone can enjoy the physical, social and mental health benefits of sport. Learn more here
Umpires & Coaches:
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.
NEW! Beginner Coach Resource
Netball Victoria has created a great new resource for beginner coaches! This resource includes foundational understanding of the game, its rules and common terminology, Introductory coach principles & models including CHANGE-IT, Planning and delivering simple and effective training sessions, expected skill execution dependent on age level, standardised guidelines around the importance of equal playing time and positional rotations in junior netball and ready-to-use templates. Share this resource with your clubs and coaching community.
2027 Talent Academy Umpire Coach applications open!
NV are inviting umpire coaches to apply for a role in the 2027 Talent Academy Umpire Program. The Talent Academy Umpire Program provides professional development opportunities for talent-identified umpires across the six Netball Victoria regions, with the aim of increasing the opportunity for umpires to progress to the next level of accreditation. Umpire Coaches will support the umpires in the program as well as receive training and mentoring to further develop their own umpire coaching skills. Applications close 31st August. TALENT ACADEMY UMPIRE PROGRAM - Netball VIC
Endorsed Tester List
2026 Endorsed Umpire Tester List - August update.
Please check the list ahead of arranging testing panels to ensure testers are eligible.
VNL Finals are here!
The next two Wednesdays will decide our 2026 VNL champions. Get behind your club and be part of the final’s atmosphere.
Tickets: Available now at vnl.com.au
Livestream: Watch every game live and free online. All details, fixtures and links: vnl.com.au
Netball Australia:
Volunteer Action Plan
As part of Netball Australia's Volunteer Action Plan, a new suite of resources is now available across a broad ranch of areas. These are designed to assist and support volunteers, making things easier, more rewarding and successful.
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
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
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
For specific club support, please get in touch with the Club Development Lead:
Sam Monaghan
0407 147 563
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