Update: AFL Goulburn Murray (AFLGM) Operating Model Review

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to contribute to AFL Goulburn Murray’s Operating Model Review so far. Your feedback, whether through our conversations, or the survey, has been invaluable in helping us understand what matters most to our leagues, clubs, volunteers, and participants.

The survey will remain open until December 12, and we strongly encourage anyone who has not yet shared their views to do so. Every voice helps shape a model that genuinely reflects the needs and aspirations of our football and netball community.

Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCSZZ9C

Next steps

Over the coming weeks, Commissioners will continue to work through the feedback we’ve received. This includes:

·       understanding what we’re hearing clearly and honestly

·       identifying where we are performing well and where improvement is needed, and

·       testing potential next steps, and our overall approach, with leagues and clubs before any recommendations are finalised.

Local leagues and clubs remain central to this process. Nothing will be proposed by AFLGM without genuine consultation and an understanding of the realities on the ground.

Acknowledging AFL Victoria’s announcement

While AFL Victoria’s announcement of its Regional Administration Centre (RAC) Directional Strategies Project changes the environment we are operating within, it does not change our priorities or the need for a thoughtful, locally informed process.

If anything, it has made our work more urgent, and we are continuing our review because our region deserves a model that works for us.

Our commitment remains the same

Whatever the future operating model looks like, our focus will remain unchanged: ensuring football and netball in the Goulburn Murray region continue to thrive.

We know we return to this message often, and we’ll keep doing so because it reflects what all AFLGM Commissioners believe: community sport is far more than a fixture schedule - it is the heartbeat of our towns and families.

Community sport brings people together, builds identity and pride, and gives young people opportunities to grow through our strong junior pathways, women and girls’ programs, and excellent umpiring programs.

Our region has a long history of producing high-quality football and netball, and that strength is something we must protect and build upon.

Supporting volunteers

One message is already coming through strongly: our volunteers are under pressure.

From committee members to canteen teams, coaches to umpires, we consistently hear that the load is increasing and that support needs to improve, not diminish.

Any future model must make it easier for people to participate, lead, and contribute, not add new burdens or duplicate work. This principle will guide every stage of our review.

Have your say

If you haven’t yet contributed, please do. Your views will directly shape our recommendations to AFL Victoria and help ensure we land on a model that is sustainable, community-driven, and focused on strengthening participation across all levels of football and netball.

·       Complete the survey (open until December 12): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCSZZ9C

·       Speak with an AFLGM Commissioner to share your feedback directly.

Thank you again to everyone who has engaged so far. We look forward to continuing this important work together.

Quentin Thomson

Chair

AFL Goulburn Murray

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