BEYOND THE BOUNDARY – AFL BARWON CHAIR MICHELLE GERDTZ AND DEPUTY CHAIR ASH WEST
- AFL Barwon restructures governance, phasing out its brand and exiting the RAC model.
- New CEO role created.
- GFNL and Bellarine league chairs to join the commission; constitutional changes to follow.
- 12-month transition period.
A CEO will be appointed, the GFNL and Bellarine will have a greater say in their operation, constitution changes have been flagged, and the AFL Barwon brand will be phased out in the biggest shake-up of local football and netball administration in more than a decade.
AFL Barwon, in conjunction with AFL Victoria, has announced it will become the latest governing body in regional Victoria to withdraw from the Regional Administration Centre model, introduced in 2014 in response to the Peter Jackson Report into the state of country football across the state three years prior.
The Jackson Report recommended consolidating local league administrations, umpiring, and game development into regional models.
However, in a statement, AFL Barwon said, “… this structure was increasingly difficult to sustain, especially given significant growth across both football and netball competitions in the Barwon region.”
It also revealed discussions between the local governing body’s commission, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria on possible changes since late last year.
“In recent years, AFL Victoria has increased its focus toward participation growth, game development, and community engagement, recognising RAC models — centred on consolidated administration — may no longer be the most effective framework for delivery of these priorities, as well as increasingly complex football and netball league operations and locally focused strategic initiatives,” the statement said.
“The governance reform reflects this new direction. It aims to establish clearer responsibilities between AFL Victoria’s strategic governance role and local operations of Leagues, ensuring that football and netball in the region remains strong, sustainable, and community-led.
“This new structure will provide greater clarity of roles, strengthen local league connections, and maintain a regional focus where the sports of football and netball can thrive.”
CEO ROLE CREATED, PATTERSON REMAINS RM
As part of the restructure, a Chief Executive Officer will be appointed.
AFL Barwon will officially advertise the position later this week, with the successful candidate to start in the role in January.
“Reporting directly to the newly constituted Board, the CEO will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across football and netball programs in driving governance excellence, community engagement, and financial sustainability,” the statement said.
“This appointment reflects a commitment to strengthening independent operations and enhancing support for leagues, clubs, and volunteers.”
Lisa Patterson, who was appointed Region Manager in March following the departure of Edward Wilson, will remain in her role.
“The Region Manager will lead regional governance and strategic alignment under AFL Victoria, working collaboratively with Barwon Leagues to drive participation and game development and deliver regional planning, facilities, and development initiatives,” the statement said.
“This realignment ensures a clear separation of League operations and competition management and strategic governance, leadership and growth (led by the AFL Victoria Region Manager), reinforcing transparency and consistency across the Barwon region.”
CONSTITUTION CHANGES, NEW NAME
Several constitutional amendments will be put forward at the annual general meeting of AFL Barwon, scheduled for February, to facilitate these changes.
The key amendment will see the chairs of the GFNL and Bellarine league sit on the AFL Barwon Commission.
Other amendments include:
- Removal of Regional Governance clauses.
- Inclusion of clauses to establish League operational functions.
- Replacement of the “Regional General Manager” title with “Chief Executive Officer”.
- Update of the organisation’s trading name to reflect the football and netball focus and removal of AFL and Barwon branding.
Regional operations will remain centralised, including the management of the Bellarine and the GFNL, female and junior football, and all-abilities football and netball, midweek netball and football umpiring.
Service agreements with the Geelong and District League and the Colac and District League for administrative and operational support will also continue.
There will be a 12-month transition period, including a ‘Town Hall Meeting’ scheduled for December 4, where AFL Barwon commission members and AFL Victoria staff will discuss the new structure.
X: @krockfootball
