AFL Barwon is pleased to invite expressions of interest and nominations for appointments to the newly established Barwon Regional Council. 

The Regional Council has been formed as part of an evolving governance model for community football and will play a key role in providing strategic guidance and recommendations to AFL Victoria. This includes matters relating to the administration, growth, and long-term sustainability of Australian Football across the Barwon region.

About the Role 

The Barwon Regional Council will support and help shape strategic priorities across the region, including:

• Participation growth
• Club sustainability
• Governance standards
• Alignment with AFL Victoria policies and frameworks

Who Should Apply

We are seeking individuals who are passionate about the future of community football and can bring a diverse range of skills, experience, and perspectives. 

We strongly encourage nominations from individuals with expertise in areas such as: 

• Governance and strategic leadership
• Legal and risk management
• Infrastructure and facilities
• Stakeholder engagement
• Marketing and communications
• Sports administration
• Appointment Process

Appointments will be made by AFL Victoria, with consideration given to achieving a balanced mix of skills, experience, and perspectives across the Council.

How to Apply

If you are interested in nominating, or would like to nominate a suitable candidate, please submit an expression of interest form via the template below.

Submissions should be sent to:

Lisa Patterson

Region Manager Barwon 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Closing Date: 5:00pm, 17 April 

We also encourage you to share this opportunity with individuals you believe would make a valuable contribution.  

Further Information 

For more information about the role or responsibilities of the Barwon Regional Council, please contact Lisa Patterson directly.

Please find below links to:

Region Council - Position Description

Region Council - Nomination Process

Region Council - Nomination Process - EoI Form

Region Council - Terms of Reference

AFL Barwon encourages all interested stakeholders to consider this opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and success of football within the Barwon region.

AFL Barwon’s All Abilities football showcase is back at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday 11 April from 2.30pm.

AFL Barwon and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST) are delighted to be partnering on the 2026 event which will see four games across the afternoon. Entry is free and the teams playing on the day are Geelong West Giants, Newtown & Chilwell, Newcomb, St Joseph's and Bell Park.

AFL Barwon’s All-Abilities Football Netball League provides equal opportunities for individuals with varying abilities to take part in the game in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. This competition is designed to ensure that everyone can enjoy playing, develop their skills, and be part of a supportive team.

More than just sport, All-Abilities competitions help build confidence, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging, creating a space where every participant feels valued.

Sean Atkinson, Commercial Partnerships & Communication Manager said “being able to play round 1 of the All-Abilities competition at GMHBA Stadium is a really special moment for everyone involved. We’re incredibly grateful to the naming rights partner Kardinia Park Stadium Trust for their support in making this possible. It provides an outstanding opportunity for our participants to experience the game on a premier stage, and it’s something the players consistently describe as a highlight of their season”

KPST is a Major Partner of the All-Abilities Football Netball League since 2024. Gerard Griffin, Chief Executive Officer KPST said “we’re excited to be welcoming the participants in the All-Abilities games onto GMHBA Stadium once again in 2026. Providing opportunities for our community to be out on the field is a key commitment of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan, and partnering with AFL Barwon on this initiative is a highlight on our calendar.” 

Gates open on Saturday 11 April at 2.30pm.

• 3:00pm - Matches 1 and 2 (non-contact) - simultaneously on the GMHBA Stadium field.
• 3:45pm - Match 3 (contact)
• 4:45pm - Match 4 (contact)

About Kardinia Park Stadium Trust 

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST) manages Victorian Government land in Geelong, which includes GMHBA Stadium, Geelong Sports Museum, Geelong Cricket Club rooms, Sports House and Barwon Regional Cricket Centre. 

KPST exists to inspire moments of connection and joy through sport, entertainment and community activities, with an overarching objective of contributing to the economic, community, and liveability benefits to Geelong and the broader region.

In 2024/25, GMHBA Stadium generated more than $190 million in social and economic value, 1,200 direct and indirect full-time equivalent jobs for the Victorian economy and hosted more than 480,000 visitors across 44 on-field events. The stadium was utilised 286 days of the financial year and the playing surface is considered the most utilised in Australia as it home to training sessions for the Geelong Football Club programs. The list of world class events at the stadium saw 190,000 visitors from outside the local region travel to Geelong to experience the elite venue. Within our community program, more than 21,000 local participants took part in five dedicated community events at the stadium.

AFL Barwon wishes to provide an update regarding the Lara Football Netball Club’s A Grade netball program for the 2026 season.

Lara FNC’s Executive have been in discussions with AFL Barwon regarding the club’s ability to field a competitive and sustainable A Grade netball team in 2026. Following these discussions and a review of player availability, the club has made the decision for its A Grade netball team to enter recess for the 2026 season.

The AFL Barwon Board has approved an exemption to By-Law 14.2, which states that all clubs must field teams in Senior and Reserves football, and in all netball grades from A Grade down. As a result, Lara FNC will not field an A Grade netball side in 2026. No further changes will be made to the 2026 Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League fixture, with a bye scheduled in place of Lara FNC’s A Grade side.

All other Lara FNC netball teams will continue to participate in the Geelong Football Netball League competition, along with the club’s involvement in other AFL Barwon competitions, including senior female football, junior football and junior netball.

AFL Barwon will continue to work closely with Lara FNC, with further details to be communicated to clubs and stakeholders once confirmed.