Beyond the Boundary #Issue 27

sammonaghan
Jul 9
3 min read

PLANNING FOR 2026!

While there's still plenty of 2025 ahead, regional planning for 2026 is already underway, with a significant amount of work required to ensure our priorities are captured in the 2026 Regional Action Plan. As highlighted in the 2025 Plan, our Participation Team has made a strong impact, reaching and exceeding most of our targets.

In Community Football, the region has seen 2% overall growth in male participation, including a 3% increase in junior male numbers. In female football, junior participation has grown by 14%, while youth female participation has experienced a slight 2% decline.

Across the region, we are progressing through a range of key initiatives, including:

· Southern Region Junior Review

· Senior League mid-year reviews

· GVL Business Model Project

· V/Line U15 male and female programs

· Goulburn Murray Action Plan

There is plenty underway, and attention is also shifting to finals preparations, with venues now being confirmed across our respective leagues and competitions.

FUTURE STATE CHARTER

Late last week, AFL Victoria announced a “landmark moment for grassroots football in Victoria” when the state’s 20 metropolitan and country governing bodies formally endorsed a unified strategic direction for the game’s future.

It has taken two years of collaboration and now sees a statewide commitment to overcoming shared challenges, seizing new opportunities, and building a more sustainable and inclusive game for communities right across Victoria.

Full Details – Click Here

NAIDOC WEEK 2025 –THE NEXT GENERATION: STRENGTH, VISION & LEGACY

NAIDOC week aims to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week provides an important opportunity for us to learn more about First Nations cultures and histories, and actively participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

This year’s celebrations will run from Sunday 6 – Sunday 13 July and marks a powerful milestone: 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience.

Please find below some valuable resources and information to assist in understanding and celebrating NAIDOC Week.

GET INVOLVED:

Rumbalara Co-Op

Family Day – Thursday July 10 | 10am–2pm

📍 Rumbalara Sand Circle Area – 20 Rumbalara Rd, Mooroopna

A fun-filled day of face painting, carnival rides, pony rides, animal farm, cultural activities, live entertainment, a cinnamon donut van, popcorn, BBQ, coffee van, table activities, and more! 🎠🎨🍩

Community Market featuring local Aboriginal artists & small businesses 🛍️ Please bring cash for market stalls.

NAIDOC RESOURCES

NAIDOC Week 2025 | DocPlay

What’s Coming Up in the Region - including finals!

📅 July 6-13 – NAIDOC Week

📅 July 1-31 – Women's Coaching Month

📅 July 25-27 – TAC Road Safety Round

📅 August 3 – Goulburn Murray Women & Girls Preliminary Finals

📅 August 10 – Goulburn Murray Women & Girls Grand Finals

📅 August 23-24 – Kyabram District League Elimination Finals (Rushworth FNC & Merrigum FNC)

📅 August 24 – Goulburn Murray Juniors Semi Finals (Week 1)

📅 August 30-31 – Murray League Elimination Finals (Deniliquin FNC & Congupna FNC)

📅 August 30-31 – Kyabram District League Semi Finals (Longwood FNC & Stanhope FNC)

📅 August 30-31 – Goulburn Valley League Elimination & Qualifying Finals

📅 August 31 – Goulburn Murray Juniors Preliminary Finals (Week 2)

📅 September 6 – Kyabram District League Preliminary Finals (Shepparton East FNC)

📅 September 6-7 – Murray League Semi Finals (Echuca United FNC & Numurkah FNC)

📅 September 6-7 – Goulburn Valley League Semi Finals

📅 September 7 – Goulburn Murray Juniors Grand Finals (Week 3)

📅 September 13 – Murray League Preliminary Finals (Nathalia FNC)

📅 September 13 – Kyabram District League Grand Finals (Mooroopna FNC)

📅 September 14 – Goulburn Valley League Preliminary Finals (Deakin Reserve)

📅 September 20 – Murray League Grand Finals (Moama FNC)

📅 September 21 – Goulburn Valley League Grand Finals (Deakin Reserve)

Shaun Connell

AFL Victoria Regional Manager - Goulburn Murray

We’re Here to Help!

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

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

Participation Team – Kevin Monaghan & Mel Saunders

Club Development & Experience – Sam Monaghan

Operational Support – Jo Spencer, Brad Noonan (GVL), Michael Houston (KDL), Connor Noakes (GMJ), Sam Heron (GMW&G), Jo Backway, Michelle Adams and Dale Norman (MFL)