AFL Gippsland Region Council update

The Gippsland Region Council is a committee delegated authority by the Board of the Australian Football League (Victoria) Limited to provide constructive guidance and recommendations to the AFL Victoria Board on a range of strategic and demographic issues that arise in the administration of Australian Football within the Gippsland Region.

Region Council members are appointed for their professional skills, knowledge, and expertise, from a broad collection of backgrounds, on a range of strategic and demographical issues that arise in the administration of Australian Football within the Region.

The AFL Gippsland Regional Council members are:

• Rohan Butler – based in Gippsland, Rohan is the CEO of Holstein Australia, a leader in the provision of registration, classification and genetic improvement services for dairy producers. Rohan has extensive expertise and experience in governance, management and administration. Rohan was appointed as Chair of the AFL Gippsland Regional Council.
• Joe Rettino – based in East Gippsland, former mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council and currently employed with the Australian Government in the National Emergency Management Agency.
• Allan Chandler – based in West Gippsland, Allan is the Director of the Lowanna Sports Academy and has been heavily involved in local football including the Gippsland Power talent program.
• Rachel Ronaldson – based in Wellington, Rachel is the GippSport Program Coordinator for East Gippsland , Latrobe & Wellington. She is an active netballer and trained exercise physiologist who heads up the High Performance – Strength and Conditioning program for the Gippsland Power.
• Mark Lindsay – based in South Gippsland, Mark has worked across local government and renewable energy with expertise in project management and community development. He has been an active volunteer in local community football for a number of years.

AFL Gippsland Region Council Meeting Summary – February 12, 2025

The AFL Gippsland Region Council met online on February 12th, 2025, to discuss a range of important football matters across the region. Chair Rohan Butler and Council members Allan Chandler, Joe Rettino, Racheal Ronaldson and Mark Lindsay, alongside Region Manager, Tim Cotter spoke about key topics including:

• Club Transfers and League Movements: The council addressed several club transfer requests and discussed player retention challenges at local clubs. They also reviewed the denied application for East Gippsland age group changes, outlining upcoming support events and projects. A detailed discussion took place regarding a best practice approach to club transfers, emphasizing transparency and collaboration between clubs, leagues, and AFL Gippsland. This process prioritises club-driven initiatives while ensuring a strategic overview of potential impacts.
• Integrity and Compliance: The council addressed player payment integrity audits for the 2024 season and the up-coming education sessions planned for all Gippsland Senior clubs in March.
• Strategic Planning and Development: Updates were provided on the West Gippsland FNC strategic plan, Collingwood FC community camp, and a proposed new delivery model for Traralgon Auskick/Superkick. The council also discussed the Country Region By-Laws template, the 2025 calendar of events, the Gippsland facilities strategy, and the junior retention project, which is set to begin in March.
• Football Operations Updates: Zac Guilfoyle (Participation Growth Manager) provided a strategy, operations, and statistical overview, highlighting increased game development staff and successful community camps.
• Information was shared about current coaching initiatives, including the upcoming Gippsland Coaching Academy launch and Junior Induction sessions.
• Umpiring updates included meetings with umpire associations and attendance at women and up-coming girls’ come and try events.
• Nicole Bertuna outlined club development activities, including conferences, health checks, and funding support.
• AFL Gippsland detailed support for league activities, including meetings with junior and senior leagues, support for Female Football Gippsland, and the administration of the U18s Interleague Carnival.
• New competitions, clubs and clubs and teams were discussed including new teams in from West Gippsland JFC from Warragul Industrials U8,10,12,14 & Girls U10,12,14; new Teams in Warragul & District JFL from Nilma-Darnum U10,12,14; South Gippsland JFC introducing U12 Girls Competition with 4 Teams; Nyora with a new U14 Girls team in the West Gippsland JFC; Bunyip with new Girls U12s and 14s teams the West Gippsland JFC; Yarram Under 10s and 12s in the Central Gippsland JFL; Mid-Gippsland U18 Competition, increasing from 5 to 8 clubs (Fish Creek, Hill End, Tarwin); new Under 15 and Under 16 Youth Girls age group in the Female Football Gippsland Competition; adding Under 15s girls to All Stars in 2025; new Gormandale Youth Girls team, MDU Youth Girls team and a new Womens team at Nar Nar Goon.

The council is committed to supporting and growing football across Gippsland and will continue to address key issues and opportunities within the region. The next meeting will be a videoconference in early March to discuss the draft Region By-Laws.

The Region Council can be contacted through AFL Gippsland at info@aflgippsland.com.au