The AFL Barwon Commission delivers this release, to provide an update for all interested parties within the Football & Netball communities of the Barwon region, with particular emphasis on the future of the Bellarine FNL.  

In-line with the New Club Entry application process that closed on 24 April 2024, AFL Barwon firstly received an application from Surf Coast FNC for entry into the Bellarine FNL. As part of an extensive review of Surf Coast FNC’s application, several face-to-face engagements have transpired, with one final engagement scheduled to take place on Monday night (May 27).

All Bellarine FNL Clubs have been invited to attend a meeting with AFL Barwon on Wednesday 29^th May to be provided with a secondary consultation opportunity (following the most recent on April 22), following the conclusion of AFL Barwon’s engagement with Surf Coast FNC. This opportunity for Bellarine FNL Clubs to be engaged is pivotal to the success and future of the League, and AFL Barwon is looking forward to this evening.

As part of the New Club Entry application process that closed on 24 April 2024, AFL Barwon also received a second application from a Club within the AFL Barwon region. As part of an extensive review of this Club’s application, including several face-to-face engagements, the Club has opted to withdraw its application for entry into the Bellarine FNL for 2025. AFL Barwon is supportive of this withdrawal noting the Club did not meet all four pillars of entry criteria – Facilities, Financials, Participation and Club Development. 

Following this withdrawal, the Club has requested continued confidentiality noting the public significance and attention with originally expressing an interest in moving leagues, within the local community. AFL Barwon respects this request and will continue to honour this, noting the conclusion of their application process.

AFL Barwon looks forward to concluding the New Club Entry application review process for Surf Coast FNC, to provide certainty and a future for their Football & Netball programs, as well as certainty on the future of the Bellarine FNL. Any change is significant and the AFL Barwon Commission is grateful for the ongoing engagement of all stakeholders, in ensuring that equitable opportunities for participation and sustainability continue to be prioritised within the Barwon region.

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Local Indigenous artist and Belmont Lions FNC Footballer, Yalanda Neal has added an extra special touch to AFL Barwon Indigenous Round with Indigenous artwork on the match balls.

Yalanda has created a design called the "Wadawurrung Indigenous Story" that has been printed on the playing footballs for all Senior Male and Female Football and A-Grade player Netballs for AFL Barwon Indigenous Round.

The story and the meaning behind design in Yalanda's words is featured below. 

Wadawurrung Indigenous Story

The inner circle represents your sports team, the outer circle represents all those that bring the team together; coaches, team managers and supporters.

The third blue layer represents our waters, rivers and oceans of Wadawurrung Country. The outer and green dots represents the bushlands of Wadawurrung Country and that's to acknowledge the land on which we play sport on.

The emu, kangaroo tracks and path represents the journey, training & commitment players take to make their team & play every weekend.

I also pay my respects to my Gunditjmara and Waddawurung linage & connections in which also play a huge role in the stories I create as that is who I am and also connected to, especially being born and raised on Waddawurung country. 

Painting for me has always been a way to feel connected to my Arrernte linage when I don’t have the opportunity to be on Arrernte country everyday, though I’m grateful to be born and raised on one of my countries, painting is what keeps my heart close to my grandmother & to the desert, and to be able to express and tell my own stories where words can’t, and I grateful for that.

AFL Barwon will hold our Indigenous Round Launch at Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre on Monday May 6th with Yalanda headlining the guest speakers at this event discussing the Wadawurrung Indigenous Story.

To RSVP to this free event, please go to https://forms.gle/ETocfhFfM6kWLHXg7

On Saturday, May 18th, the Elderslie Reserve will once again be the venue for an event that blends community spirit, sportsmanship, and a heartfelt cause. The third annual Zoe Kennedy Tribute Match, featuring Newtown & Chilwell vs. Bell Park, will not only showcase thrilling netball and football matches but also serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of asthma management and destigmatisation within the sporting community.

A Tribute to Zoe Kennedy

The Zoe Kennedy Tribute Match commemorates Zoe Kennedy, a passionate netball and football player whose life was tragically cut short by an asthma attack in 2020. By bringing together Zoe's netball team and her father Lach Kennedy's football team, the event honours her spirit while raising crucial funds to support young people with asthma.

"Zoe loved her sport and would be proud to see the sporting community come together to ensure that other kids with asthma don't miss out," says her father, Lach Kennedy. He emphasizes the importance of monitoring and managing asthma, highlighting the Foundation's efforts to normalize the use of preventers and relievers, and to encourage open discussions about asthma.

Community Support and Awareness

Local sporting clubs and stadiums will be adorned with posters designed by Geelong artist Georgia Naughton, featuring brightly coloured artworks with asthma-themed phrases to raise awareness. Attendees can purchase purple 'Inhale Exhale' beanies and scarves, symbolising unity and contributing to the Zoe Kennedy Foundation.

Achievements of the Zoe Kennedy Foundation

Founded in 2020 by the Kennedy family and Figurehead Group, the Zoe Kennedy Foundation specifically focuses on improving the lives of young people with asthma. In the three years since Zoe's passing, the Foundation has raised nearly $300,000. These funds have supported a Virtual Care PhD with Asthma Australia and product trials for Puff-ah, an integrated, collapsible, smart inhaler system designed to improve adherence to asthma medications. Additionally, the Foundation has collaborated with Dr. Ben McKenzie of the Royal Melbourne Hospital to provide AMAX4 training devices, enhancing the standard of care for asthma and anaphylaxis.

Event Schedule

The day kicks off with netball matches starting at 8 am, followed by football matches for the 16s, 18s, and Reserves at 10 am. The main event begins at 1 pm, featuring activities such as face painting, balloon twisting, and a silent auction. A ceremony and netball presentations will take place at 1:30 pm, leading up to the Seniors' football match at 2:30 pm. The event concludes with a trophy presentation, live entertainment, and a raffle draw from 6 pm to late.

"We're humbled by the support of the Geelong community, particularly the Newtown and Bell Park Football Netball Clubs. There is genuine care for players, and we're proud of what this is generating in terms of asthma awareness in sport," says Lach Kennedy.

Join Us

Join us on Saturday, May 18th, at Elderslie Reserve, Newtown, to honour Zoe Kennedy's memory and contribute to raising awareness and funds for young people with asthma. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this chronic condition.

For more information, visit http://www.zoekennedy.com.au or follow @zoekennedyfoundation on Instagram.

Event Schedule at a Glance

- Netball from 8:00 am

- 10:00 am – 16s, 18s, Reserves Football

- 1:00 pm – Activities (Face Painting, Balloon Twisting, Silent Auction)

- 1:30 pm – Netball Presentations and Ceremony

- 2:30 pm – Seniors Football (Newtown vs. Bell Park)

- 6:00 pm – Entertainment (Live Band + DJ) and Raffle Draw