Region Council

The Gippsland Region Council is a newly established 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.

Region Council members possess a mix of skills and expertise relevant to the purpose, roles, and responsibilities of the Region Council, including but not limited to the following:

• strong governance experience including previous board roles;
• strategic leadership;
• strategic risk management;
• legal;
• leading cultural and organisational change;
• marketing, advertising, sponsorship;
• infrastructure development;
• stakeholder engagement, corporate/social/organisational responsibility, issues management;
• government relations/knowledge;
• sports management; and
• climate and environment.

When appointing Region Council members, the AFL Victoria Board will have regard to the overall needs of the Region and the relevant skills and expertise required by the Region Council.

The AFL Gippsland Regional Council members are:

• Rohan Butler – based in Gippsland, Rohan is the National Sales Manager for Genetics Australia. 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 formerly the GippSport Program Coordinator for East Gippsland, Latrobe & Wellington having recently taken on a role with Wellington Shire in the Community Team. She is an active netballer and trained exercise physiologist who headed up the High Performance – Strength and Conditioning program for the Gippsland Power in 2024.
• 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. His son Xavier was drafted to the Melbourne FC in 2024.

The Region Council member Position Description and Terms of Reference are enclosed for information.

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 May.
• 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.

AFL Gippsland Region Council Meeting Summary – May 5, 2025

The AFL Gippsland Region Council convened to discuss various aspects of football in the region. Key decisions made included the endorsement of the Community Football Charter, the AFL Gippsland Region By-Laws, and the Project Plan for the Junior Football Retention Project.

The council also discussed community umpiring issues, specifically the preferencing of the District League over the Premier League.

Items noted by the council included updates on AFLW Camps involving Hawthorn, Melbourne, and Collingwood, the WGFNC Strategic Plan, CCSP updates, the Gippsland Gather Round: Female Festival of Football held on May 25th, the upcoming Junior Interleague Carnival on July 9th, the AFL NINES October Tournament, a draft of the Facilities Strategy, and an update on the 2025 Calendar of Events.

Updates were also provided on key areas within the region, including Play (stats and initiatives by Zac Guilfoyle), Coaching (stats and initiatives), Umpiring (stats and initiatives), and Volunteering (CDL update, Club Health Checks, grant opportunities, Region Council promotion activities, and the Club Dashboard. League updates and meetings, including those with Junior and Senior Heads of Leagues, were also noted under Administration.

AFL Gippsland Region Council Meeting Summary – November 27, 2025

The AFL Gippsland Region Council met on Thursday 27 November 2025 at the Morwell Recreation Reserve to discuss key priorities, initiatives and updates for football across the Gippsland region.

Key Discussions and Updates

AFL Initiatives in 2026
Council members were briefed on major AFL and AFL Gippsland initiatives planned for 2026, including:

• AFL and AFLW Community Camps
• Rollout of the Junior Football Retention Project
• Implementation of the Local Lead Your Way group
• Development of the Gippsland Charter
• East Gippsland Indigenous Engagement Project

2026 Action Plan and Gippsland Charter
The 2026 Action Plan was reviewed, with the Gippsland Charter identified as a key priority. Work on the Charter will begin in early 2026, involving consultation with all Gippsland leagues to create a shared regional blueprint for local football. The Region Council will play an active role in engagement and delivery.

Competitive Balance and Sustainability Program (CCSP)
Council discussed CCSP timelines, decision‑making and support frameworks for priority clubs. Cowwarr, Paynesville and Gormandale are currently receiving support to strengthen club operations. The importance of governance, community connection, volunteerism, coaching quality and junior pathways was highlighted, alongside the introduction of enhanced financial health checks in 2025/26.

For Noting

• AFL Camps delivered by St Kilda FC and Collingwood FC
• Launch of the AFL Gippsland Facilities Strategy
• 2026 Calendar of Events
• Junior Retention Project – 26 Big Plays for 2026
• Female Football Gippsland to transition to Gippsland League governance and administration in 2026

Region Update

Updates were provided across participation, administration and league engagement, including planned Junior and Senior Heads of League meetings. Council also discussed ongoing collaboration between AFL Victoria, AFL Gippsland and West Gippsland FNC following the Drouin transfer decision.

General Business

Council acknowledged and noted support for Sale Football Netball Club, following the appointment of a new committee.

AFL Gippsland Region Council Meeting Summary – Feb 11, 2026

The AFL Gippsland Region Council met to discuss key developments across community football in Gippsland, with a strong focus on sustainability, participation growth, governance, and future planning.

Key Regional Updates

• Junior Competition Structures
  • A new Under 16s Mid Gippsland competition is progressing, with AFL Gippsland working closely with leagues and clubs to ensure long‑term sustainability and appropriate player pathways.
  • A revised Central Gippsland Junior Football League fixture model has been introduced to reduce travel demands, improve participation sustainability, and support families.
• Project 3825
  Representatives from Moe Lions, Newborough, Yallourn North and Hill End Willow Grove are collaborating on Project 3825, which is examining the long‑term sustainability of junior football in the Moe and surrounding areas, including participation trends and future competition structures.

Strategic Discussion

• Gippsland Charter
  Work is underway on a proposed Gippsland Charter, designed as a long‑term commitment to sustainable, inclusive and collaborative growth of football across the region. The Charter will include extensive consultation with clubs, leagues and stakeholders.
• Competitive Balance (CCSP)
  AFL Gippsland has commenced proactive engagement with clubs receiving points or cap adjustments in 2026, focusing on long‑term sustainability and reducing reliance on concessions. Education sessions are scheduled, with all senior clubs expected to attend.
• Omeo District FNL & Swan Reach FNC
  Cultural awareness work continues within the Omeo District FNL. An update was also provided on Swan Reach FNC, with the club likely to enter recess for the 2026 season. Planning is underway to support a structured and sustainable return in 2027.

Umpiring

Ongoing discussions with umpire associations continue, including a review of payment structures and conditions across leagues to inform future planning and consistency.

Women & Girls Football

Women’s and Girls football continues to show strong growth across Gippsland:

• Introduction of a Traralgon Under 15s Girls competition in 2026
• Expansion of Senior Women’s teams, with up to four new teams expected
• Significant growth in Under 16s Girls, increasing from 6 teams in 2025 to 13 teams in 2026
• Female Football Gippsland has transitioned under the governance of the Gippsland League, strengthening alignment and oversight

Governance & Operations

A full 12‑month meeting schedule for 2026 will be developed, including a mix of virtual and in‑person meetings.

Council discussed the benefit of more regular information sharing on significant regional matters.

A proposal to move to bi‑monthly meetings was supported in principle to improve timeliness of communication.

AFL Gippsland Region Council Meeting Summary – 24 March 2026 ​

The AFL Gippsland Region Council met on Tuesday 24 March 2026 to review regional matters, assess policy updates, and discuss strategic priorities for the year ahead.

Key Outcomes

• Local By‑Laws: Proposed amendments submitted by the West Gippsland FNC were considered, with the Council determining that the changes would not be approved for the 2026 season.
• Region By‑Laws Update: Minor amendments were noted, with an updated document to be circulated to Council members for review and confirmation.
• Participation Growth: Year‑to‑date data highlighted 7% overall registration growth, including a 22% increase in female football participation, reflecting strong momentum across the region.
• Season Readiness: An update was provided on Round 1 preparations, confirming league‑by‑league progress on club compliance and season commencement.
• Junior Retention: Council received an update on junior pathways and retention initiatives, including promotion of an upcoming regional webinar.

Strategic Discussions

• Region Council Role & Direction: The Council discussed clarifying its purpose and strategic focus, ensuring alignment with the developing Gippsland Charter project.
• Council Composition: Current representation was reviewed, with all members continuing in their roles at this time.
• Chair Position: An update was provided regarding the expiration of the current Chair’s term and next steps in the appointment process.
• Partnerships: Council reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing collaboration with Netball Victoria.
• Charter Development: A project plan for Charter development will be progressed during April and May.