AFL Victoria appoints representatives for new region councils

AFL Victoria has confirmed the appointments of representatives of five newly-established Region Councils across the state.

Following an expressions of interest process, council members have been appointed and inducted for: AFL Western District, AFL Goldfields, AFL Gippsland, AFL Wimmera Mallee and AFL South East.

Each Region Council member was appointed based on the overall needs of their region, with the councils possessing a mix of skills and expertise relevant to the purpose, roles and responsibilities of the Region Councils, which have been set up by AFL Victoria.

The Region Councils have been established to provide constructive guidance and recommendations on a range of strategic and demographic issues that arise within their region.

A key element of establishing the councils was to put in place a system whereby local people make local decisions and work collaboratively with local leagues and AFL Victoria.

Among the responsibilities of the Region Councils will be to provide advice and recommendations that are in the best interests of the region, including around proposing changes and modifications to rules, regulations and by-laws and age group determinations. Region Councils will also support participation growth and club development opportunities.

Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan, explained “the Region Councils have been established to help local football in country regions across the state.

“We are really pleased with the calibre of people who put themselves forward and have been appointed to represent their regions. All council members share a passion for the game and a deep understanding of their regions, which will help to ensure constructive guidance and local leadership is provided.

“Footy has rebounded strongly after severe disruptions in recent years and while the game is generally in good shape, we know there are clubs and communities doing it tough. AFL Victoria is committed to directing support to where it’s needed most and the Region Councils will help to ensure local knowledge and needs are factored into ensuring the game thrives well into the future.”

“Thank you to all council members for committing to helping the game in their regions and we look forward to working closely with the Region Councils.”

Region Council Members
AFL Wimmera Mallee
Gaynor Baker
Jeffery Both
Grant Kuchel

AFL Western District
Mallissa Sealey
Ben Walsh
Patrick Doran

AFL Goldfields
Paul Fisher
Andrew Milligan
Sarah Henderson

AFL South East
Fraser Bayne
Graham Sherry
Mark Barrow
Megan Taberner
Molina Asthana
Shona MacInnes
Rodney Garwood

AFL Gippsland
Joe Rettino
Allan Chandler
Rohan Butler

Image credit: AFL Victoria.