Statement: AFL Goulburn Murray Chair Quentin Thomson Regarding AFL Victoria’s Regional Administration Centre (RAC) Directional Strategies Project.

AFL Goulburn Murray (AFLGM) acknowledges the recent announcement by AFL Victoria regarding the Regional Administration Centre (RAC) Directional Strategies Project.

The announcement came as a surprise to us and to many across our football and netball community.

As one of the few remaining RACs in Victoria, AFLGM was not consulted prior to this decision.

This is despite AFL Victoria being fully aware of the detailed review we are undertaking, with our stakeholders, to ensure our operating model best serves the Goulburn Murray region now and into the future.

Our priority has always been, and will remain, supporting the growth and sustainability of football and netball across our region.

The RAC model was adopted more than a decade ago because it provided cost-effective, professional support to clubs, volunteers, and competitions.

It is a model that has worked for our community and one that we are actively reviewing in partnership with leagues, clubs, and volunteers - those who live and breathe the game every weekend.

It is important to recognise community football and netball do far more than deliver sport. They draw families to live, work and play in the Goulburn Murray, and they help hold the social fabric of our towns together.

Whether it’s a match day bringing people into our communities, our clubs providing safe and inclusive spaces, or the pride that comes from seeing juniors and women’s teams grow, community sport is one of the cornerstones of regional life.

Any change to how our competition is supported must safeguard this vital role.

The strength of community football and netball relies on the commitment of volunteers: board members, coaches, umpires, canteen teams, and countless others who dedicate their time because they love the game.

Our review, while still in process, is reinforcing what we already suspected, that our volunteers are under pressure and it is imperative any future operating model reduces that burden - not adds to it.

AFL Victoria’s proposed transition away from RAC structures raises significant questions for leagues, clubs, and the broader community. Concerns have already been expressed to us about the sustainability of individual league administration, the potential duplication of costs, the adequacy of funding models, the impact on governance and decision-making consistency, staffing certainty, and how critical functions such as junior development and women and girls’ programs will be supported.

These are not minor issues; they go to the heart of how community football and netball can thrive in the years ahead.

AFLGM is committed to working constructively with all stakeholders, including AFL Victoria.

However, we strongly believe any structural change must be grounded in local consultation and respect for the review process already underway.

The people of the Goulburn Murray region deserve a model that strengthens participation, supports volunteers, and protects the long-term health of the game, and that can only be determined with their input.

We look forward to continuing meaningful conversations with our leagues, clubs, and AFL Victoria.

Our focus remains unchanged: ensuring everyone who wants to play football and netball in the Goulburn Murray region can do so in a safe, well-supported, sustainable, and thriving community.

We urge all those interesting in participating in AFL Goulburn Murray’s operating review to have their say by:

• Completing our survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCSZZ9C

• Contacting an AFLGM commissioner

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Media Contact Kristin Favaloro 0438 670 762