Chris Febvre • January 14, 2021
AFLNEB Management Announcement
AFLNEB Management Announcement
On behalf of the AFL North East Border Commission, we wish everyone a happy new year and look forward to a more prosperous 2021 after the cancellation of football and netball in 2020.
It is important that as individuals and communities we continue to adhere to COVID safe practices to best ensure an environment in which both football and netball can return in 2021. As an organisation, we remain positive and excited about the season and despite the challenges the pandemic has presented, AFLNEB is well positioned to support the game into the future.
Whilst the season didn’t proceed in 2020, it has provided an opportunity to examine the organisations structure and its strategic focus as we look to reboot following the severe impacts of COVID with an emphasis on consolidation, participation and retention.
AFLNEB staff will be returning to work on a full-time basis and pleasingly, we have retained all of our team which is of huge benefit as the individual and collective experiences will be invaluable. Whilst staff are returning, access to both the Wodonga and Wangaratta offices will be limited and any face to face contact required with any staff member should be by arrangement.
Pending a recruitment process, Zac Guilfoyle has been seconded into the role of Region Manager commencing Tuesday January 12th, 2021. Zac has worked in community football in the North East Border Region for 12 years and has well developed relationships and has extensive experience including League Management and most recently as Lead Football Development Manager (FDM) for the Region.
As Region Manager, Zac Guilfoyle can be contacted at zac.guilfoyle@afl.com.au or 0424 918 912.
Existing FDM, Zac Hedin, will now assume Lead responsibilities in Game Development activities across the entire North East Border Region with all enquiries on participation programs and opportunities to be directed to zac.hedin@afl.com.au or 0439 657 013.
Again, we remain positive about the prospects of a return to play in 2021 and encourage everyone to continue to be COVID safe and collectively, encourage others to get involved and support community sport in its return.
2024 saw the launch of the AFL North East Border Volunteer Recognition Program, proudly supported by one of our long standing partners, APCO! The program recognised 20 volunteers across the region each week throughout the footy season and will do the same once again in 2025. The categories include - Club Volunteer Umpire/Club Umpire Junior/Youth Coach Auskick Coordinator/Volunteer Clubs are welcome to nominate one of their hard working volunteers throughout the year, and if they are selected they will receive a $50 APCO voucher to use in an APCO store near you. Nominations can be submitted by clicking on the following link - VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION NOMINATION FORM
Two local football netball clubs are set to receive a funding boost to upgrade their lighting infrastructure through the Country Football Netball funding program! The Milawa Football Netball Club who compete in the Ovens & King FNL and Barnawartha Football Netball Club competing in the Tallangatta & District Football League will both receive funding through the Country Football Netball Program which through a partnership between the Victorian Government, AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria aims to support county football and netball clubs infrastructure improvements and developments. A total of 7 clubs across Victoria received funding in this round, and with two clubs successful in the North East it is a great outcome for football in the region and both clubs should be congratulated for the work they have put in to be successful! We look forward to seeing these projects come to life! For more information on the program and other success applicants please click here - https://play.afl/victoria/news/funding-boost-country-football-facilities?fbclid=IwY2xjawIx1hdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYxTMXDPhmQhLOMmUjo6YAkpXU-dFqKLUzVdYIegdiFK2xGe-yf-PgwBiA_aem_EdgEJ5XDtkeJH8VGU35rfA
2025 saw AFLNEB host there now annual Club Development Day which had a focus on upskilling those who are hands on during game days throughout the season! With over 45 attendees participating in three dynamic workshops - - Club Umpire Session, - Coaching Masterclass Session, and - Building Stronger Clubs Workshop - Our Community Club Leaders and dedicated Volunteers are now equipped with the resources and skills to tackle the upcoming season! Additionally, more than 25 Sports Trainers benefited from the Level 1 Sports Trainer Course, enhancing their expertise and readiness. Massive thank you to La Trobe University Albury-Wodonga for hosting us at their amazing campus! We wish all the clubs the best for the upcoming season and look forward to further supporting them with additional sessions throughout the year!
