Valley Sport eNews - August 2025

Hey there! As we move into the second half of the year, we are focused on building momentum across our region - supporting clubs, strengthening communities, and creating more inclusive, safe, and resilient sporting environments.

Earlier this month, our Strategic Planning Workshop at La Trobe University brought together passionate voices to help shape our next four years. Thank you to everyone who contributed – your insights are guiding the way forward.

This edition is packed with opportunities:
✅ New child safety tools are incoming
✅ Emergency resilience and governance workshops
✅ Grant support and upcoming events
✅ Plus, we’re excited to welcome Jess and Nate to the team!

There’s something here for every club - and we’re here to help you get involved.

🚀 Sneak Peek: Supporting Child Safety in Sport

Valley Sport’s Future is Taking Shape!

We are excited to welcome two passionate team members during July – Jess Petreski and Nate Dedman!

Jess Petreski joins us as our new Inclusion Coach, employed by Leisure Networks and delivered in partnership with Sport4All through the All-Abilities Workforce and Sector Support Program, funded by Sport & Recreation Victoria.

Based in Shepparton, Jess will support clubs, schools, and community groups across the region to create inclusive spaces for people with disability to enjoy sport and active recreation. She’ll provide tools, training, and connections through the Sport4All Learning & Development Hub.

We are also thrilled to welcome Nate back to the team! Nate previously worked with Valley Sport as a Project Officer and brings deep experience in inclusion, disability support, and community sport. Since then, he’s launched two small businesses and held the League Operations Manager role with AFL Goulburn Murray.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Jess – and welcoming Nate back!

Moira & Yarrawonga Clubs - Join Our Game Plan Governance Workshop this September

We are here to support grassroots sports clubs across Moira and Yarrawonga – especially where it’s needed most.

We know many clubs face ongoing challenges with governance and compliance, which is why we’re excited to offer a Game Plan Governance Workshop. Using the Australian Sports Commission’s Game Plan self-assessment tool, we’ll work directly with your committee to identify improvement areas and provide tailored support and action planning.

Workshop Details:
📅 Monday, 8 September 2025 📍 Location: TBC ⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

This is a group session designed for whole committees, and we ask that at least three key committee members attend — ideally the President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

👉 Registrations are essential: Register here

If your committee can’t make this date or would prefer a one-on-one session, we’re happy to deliver the Game Plan workshop at your next meeting. Just email Lucy at [email protected] to arrange a time.

Let’s work together to build stronger, more sustainable clubs in our region.

Valley Sport is proud to help spread the word about Benalla’s Come and Try Day 2025, led by our friends at Tomorrow Today.

This is a fantastic opportunity for local clubs to showcase their sport or activity, connect with families, and inspire the next generation of participants in a fun and welcoming environment.

🗓 When: Sunday 14 September 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
📍 Where: Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre & All Blacks Oval

There’s no cost to take part, and all marketing and promotion will be covered — you just need to show up and offer a fun, hands-on activity for young people to try!

👉 Clubs can register now by completing the Expression of Interest form here: [click here]

🗓 EOIs close Friday 15 August 2025

Let’s work together to create a vibrant, inclusive event that brings our community together through sport and activity.

For more information, contact:
Alex Ross – Youth Engagement Coordinator, Tomorrow Today
📞 03 5762 1211 | 📱 0417 870 009
✉️ [email protected]

Respect in Sport Kicks Off in Mitchell Shire

We were proud to kick off our very first Respect in Sport workshop last month in partnership with Mitchell Shire Council - and what a fantastic start it was!

Held in Broadford, the workshop brought together 21 local clubs and 39 committed committee members, all united by a shared goal: to make community sport more inclusive, welcoming, and respectful for everyone.

The session focused on Fair Access - exploring what it means in a community sport context and how clubs can embed inclusive practices that benefit players, volunteers, and supporters alike.

We’re incredibly grateful to Ashleigh Nicolson from South West Sport for her valuable support, and to Alan Hale from Mitchell Shire Council for co-leading this important local initiative.

And, of course, a big thank you to the passionate club volunteers who participated with such openness and energy. Your commitment is what drives real and lasting change.

This is just the beginning - and we’re excited to continue this journey toward fair, inclusive sport in every community.

If you have any questions or would like assistance applying for any of the above grants, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Follow the Valley Sport Facebook page to keep up to date with resources and tips that will be useful for you and your club. We encourage you to share our posts with your members.

Valley Sport are always here to support your club and you can reach us via the platforms below:

Email: [email protected]
Valley Sport Website: https://valleysport.net.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleySport.GVSA/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valleysport.gvsa/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/valleysportgvsa

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