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- Valley Sport eNews - June 2025
Valley Sport eNews - June 2025
Valley Sport eNews - 1 June 2025
Hey there! As we wrap up another big month here at Valley Sport, we’re excited to share some of the standout moments and milestones from across our region. From welcoming a new team member, celebrating our local volunteers, to supporting inclusive coaching and contributing to national conversations on sport and physical activity - May has been packed with purpose and impact.
Read on to meet our newest team member, explore highlights from National Volunteer Week, and check out the latest funding opportunities available to support your club.
Let’s keep growing strong, inclusive, and connected communities through sport! 💪
Meet Steph Gorrie – Our Newest Project Officer
 | We’re excited to welcome Steph Gorrie to the Valley Sport team as our new Project Officer, working with clubs and communities across the Greater Shepparton and Mansfield shires. Steph brings valuable experience from both the sport and disability sectors, with a strong focus on creating inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities to get involved and stay active. Her work will help local clubs build more welcoming, accessible environments through education, training, and resources. She’s also a dedicated netballer and coach, currently playing and co-coaching A-grade at Tatura Football Netball Club. |
Valley Sport, in collaboration with our seven local Councils, is working to better understand the challenges that local sporting clubs are facing and how we can tailor our support to meet your needs more effectively.
We want to hear from you!
By taking just a few minutes to complete the survey for your shire, you will help identify where your club could benefit most - whether that’s in training, resources, or ongoing support.
🎁 Win a Free SALT Education Session
As a thank you, your club will go into the draw to win a FREE education session delivered by Sport & Life Training (SALT). This prize, proudly supported by Valley Sport, will be drawn on 1st July 2025 - entries close 30th June 2025.
The winning club can choose from a range of powerful topics, including Stand Your Ground, Unstoppable, Empowered, Healthy Masculinity, Wellbeing & Mental Health, Clubs with Heart, Drugs and Alcohol, Positive Coaching, Positive Sports Parenting, Equality is the Game, and more.
👇 Click your council area below to complete the survey:
Your feedback is vital to helping us support thriving, inclusive, and resilient local sports clubs. Let’s shape the future of sport together!
Valley Sport at the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention
 | We’re proud to announce that our Executive Officer, Megan, will be representing Valley Sport at the upcoming National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC) this June, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Megan will feature in a panel discussion as part of the Play Well stream, alongside Shaun McEachin and Adam Bishop. The session will explore the power of collaboration in driving positive change across the sport and physical activity sector. She will also spotlight the work of the Sport Volunteer Coalition - a national initiative focused on strengthening, supporting, and celebrating the critical role volunteers play in community sport. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear from sector leaders, connect with peers, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of sport in Australia. 👉 Want to attend? We’re proud to see Valley Sport at the table, contributing to these important discussions - and we hope to see you there! |
Celebrating the Heart of Our Clubs
National Volunteer Week 2025
From 19–25 May 2025, Valley Sport proudly joined in celebrating National Volunteer Week, shining a light on the incredible people who give their time, energy, and passion to make sport happen in our communities.
As part of the Australian Sport Commission’s 3 Cheers for Volunteers campaign and Volunteering Australia’s Connecting Communities campaign, we took the opportunity to recognise the everyday legends in our shires (Benalla, Mansfield, Mitchell, Moira, Murrindindi, Shepparton and Strathbogie, ) who coach, fundraise, lead, support, and inspire - both on and off the field.
Throughout the week, we shared stories of outstanding local volunteers like:
Paul from Mitchell Rangers Soccer Club, who’s driven the All Abilities team since 2016.
Lucy, President of Thornton Eildon FNC, a powerhouse leader building a more inclusive and engaged club culture.
Jill in Nagambie, a multi-club volunteer and 2022 Strathbogie Senior Citizen of the Year.
The Katunga Cricket Club team, who’ve grown their club into a hub for over 75 players.
Vanessa from Shepparton United Soccer Club, the long-time club secretary and proud community contributor.
Haley, Mansfield Basketball Association’s secretary, ensuring local kids stay active and connected.
Lennie, founder of LG Boxing Benalla, who provides youth with a supportive space to build confidence and skills.
Each story reminded us that volunteers are the backbone of sport — connecting people, building resilience, and creating lifelong impact.
Thank you to all our local volunteers. Your dedication keeps clubs running, players growing, and communities connected and thriving.
👉 National Volunteer Week might be over, but their is still time to put your club’s volunteers on the map or read more stories at: www.volmap.ausport.gov.au
Let Them Play: Building Inclusion Through Coaching
During May, Valley Sport hosted the Introduction to ASD Coaches Workshop as part of the Let Them Play Program - a valuable session that brought together volunteer coaches and committee members from local clubs, all eager to learn how to make their teams more inclusive and supportive for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The workshop created a space for learning, sharing, and growth, with participants exploring ways to adapt coaching practices to create more welcoming sporting environments for all.
A special thank you to our partners VicHealth, Yarrawonga Health, The Play Project, and the Yarrawonga Mulwala Basketball Association for their support and for contributing their insights as guest panellists. Their lived experience and practical advice were instrumental in sparking meaningful discussions and action.
Together, we’re taking positive steps toward making community sport more inclusive, supportive, and accessible for everyone.
👏 Let’s keep the momentum going - because everyone deserves the chance to play!
 Moira Shire Community Quick Response Grants Amount: Up to $5,000 |  Victorian State Government Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant Amount: Up to $1,000 |
 Community Bank Nathalia & Numurkah 2025FY Sponsorship Funding |  Bupa Foundation Community Grants |
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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