Since its establishment in 2022, the WDFNA has supported both leagues through employment of staff, building management and football and netball competition operations.
“The next stage of reform will consider whether governance and competition strategy can be brought together under one structure, while retaining the identity, branding and delivery of each competition,” she said.
“One model to be examined includes a single board, unified constitution, and one consistent set of football bylaws and netball bylaws.”
Ms Ballinger will facilitate the project and said the work was an important opportunity to strengthen long-term planning and support clubs across the region.
“Football and netball clubs are at the heart of many Wimmera Mallee communities, but they continue to face significant challenges including population change, long travel distances, volunteer capacity and the increasing complexity of running community sport,” she said.
“This process is not about removing the character of either league or forcing changes on clubs.
“It is about exploring how we can reduce duplication, improve consistency, and provide stronger leadership so local football and netball remain sustainable into the future.”
The working group will include representatives from the WFNL, HDFNL and WDFNA, along with an independent chair and people with governance, legal and competition management expertise.
External advisors, including AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, will also be engaged where required.
The group will develop an issues and opportunities paper, a recommended governance model, draft constitution and bylaw document, a stakeholder consultation summary, an implementation roadmap, and a final report for endorsement.
Consultation with clubs, administrators, players, volunteers, umpires, officials, league staff and governing bodies will be a key part of the process.
Engagement might include workshops, forums, surveys, written submissions and targeted meetings.
The working party is expected to be established by the end of July, with final recommendations to be presented by August 31, 2027, or even earlier if the work is completed ahead of schedule.
Ms Ballinger said the work reflected the central message of the project that stronger outcomes were possible when football, netball, communities and leaders come together to plan for the region’s future.
Anyone who is interested in being a part of the working group can contact Ms Ballinger on 0427 825 519 or by emailing ange.ballinger@afl.com.au where an expression of interest form will be provided.
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