Valley Sport eNews - March 2026

It was inspiring to see strong representation from under-represented groups in sport volunteering. The lived experience, insights and honest conversations shared on the night are helping inform how future strategies and tools are co-designed - ensuring volunteering better reflects and supports the whole community. Workshops like this are about listening first. When diverse voices are at the table, our clubs, committees and communities are stronger, more inclusive and better prepared for what lies ahead. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed so openly - your voice is driving meaningful change across our local sporting landscape.

The conversation didn’t stop there.

Captured in the latest episode of From the Mountains to the Murray, Greater Shepparton Mayor Cr Shane Sali joined Australian Sports Commission Program Manager for Industry Projects Nick Abroms and Valley Sport Executive Officer Megan Carr as they unpacked the real barriers preventing underrepresented communities from fully participating in sport.

From governance and volunteering pressures to inclusion, accessibility and cultural safety, the episode explores what it truly takes for councils, state bodies and national organisations to work together to build safe, welcoming and sustainable sporting clubs across our region.

If you care about the strength, sustainability and inclusivity of grassroots sport, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Get Active at Lake Benalla This April

Want to feel more confident using the outdoor gym equipment around Lake Benalla? Join the free Lakeside Gym Equipment Come & Try Program - a four-week, physiotherapist-led series designed to help you move safely and get the most out of this fantastic 24/7 community facility.

📅 Tuesdays | 7–28 April 2026
⏰ 10.00–11.00am
📍 Outdoor gym stations near the Aboriginal Garden, Jaycee Island & Tennis Courts

Delivered by Benalla Health in partnership with Peak Sports Physiotherapy and the Social Inclusion Action Group, this free program is perfect if you’re unsure how to use the equipment or simply looking for a supported way to be more active.

⚠️ Places are limited and a basic health screen is required.
🗓 EOIs close 24 March 2026

To register your interest, contact Ash or Jill at [email protected] or call 5761 4500 (option 3)

Move Moira – Get Active in April 2026

Moira Shire Council, NCN Health and Yarrawonga Health are excited to announce the return of Move Moira – Get Active in April 2026, a month-long celebration of community movement, connection and wellbeing.

Active April brings together a diverse range of local groups - from sporting clubs and seniors groups to yoga classes, walking groups and skate sessions - all hosting free or low-cost activities to get Moira moving.

This year, the call is going out to community groups, clubs, organisations and individuals to showcase their unique and inclusive activities. Whether you teach dance, coach wheelchair basketball, run chair Pilates, host fitness sessions or deliver another community-friendly activity - they want to hear from you!

By registering your event, you’ll be helping more people across Moira discover ways to move, connect and thrive together.

📢 Expressions of Interest are now open for Active April Activities 2026.

For more information or to get involved, contact Moira Shire Council’s Community Wellbeing Team on (03) 5871 9222.

🔎 Volunteering In-Focus: Tailor Roles to Suit My Needs

Is your club struggling to fill roles? Feeling the pressure of volunteer burnout? Or simply looking for smarter ways to share the load?

Join this practical one-hour online session designed to help clubs review, refine and strengthen their volunteer roles - so you can reduce pressure on key people and build a more sustainable future.

📅 Monday 2 March 2026
⏰ 12:30pm – 1:30pm (AEDT)

Guest Speakers:
🌟Melanie Pratt (Cardinia Shire Council)
🌟Jess Cook (Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic & Paralympic Games)
🌟Catriona Rose (Australian Sports Commission)

You’ll be guided through how to audit your current volunteer roles and explore real examples showing how well-designed roles can improve club effectiveness, sustainability and volunteer satisfaction.

You’ll leave with:
✔ Insight into how the Volunteer Data Dashboard identifies support gaps
✔ A simple framework to review and strengthen roles
✔ Practical steps you can apply immediately

A valuable session for any club wanting to work smarter and better support their volunteers.

Delivered by the Sport Volunteer Coalition & the Australian Sports Commission

Inclusive Coaching in Action – Shepparton

We were proud to host an Inclusive Coaching Workshop in Shepparton, bringing together 11 passionate coaches and volunteers from six local clubs.

With guest speakers Adam Georgelin - former Essendon and Richmond Wheelchair Football athlete and international bodybuilding gold medallist - alongside Valley Sport Project Officer Nate Dedman, the evening focused on one powerful truth: 1 in 5 Australians live with disability.

Through lived experience and practical examples, coaches explored how small, realistic adjustments to training sessions (at both junior and open levels) can create environments where every participant feels valued.

Attendees walked away with:

• An Inclusive Coaching Game Day Checklist

• A practical Inclusion Policy template

• Real-world tools they can implement immediately

Inclusive sport isn’t about changing everything - it’s about making intentional shifts that open the door for more people to belong.

Building Safer Game Days – Picola & District FNL

We were also proud to support the Level 1 Sports Trainer Course delivered in partnership with the Picola & District Football Netball League.

Thanks to Dawn from TalkSmart Training for leading an engaging, practical session, and to Waaia Football Netball Club for hosting the day.

Sixteen trainers from six league clubs completed their Level 1 accreditation - a fantastic investment in player safety and club capability ahead of the season.

To every volunteer who gave up their Sunday to strengthen their skills: thank you. Community sport is stronger - and safer - because of you.

Good for Cricket Raffle

Fundraising Opportunity
CLOSES 02/03/2026, 12pm AEDT

Community Grants

Amount: see individual grants for details
Status: OPEN

Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant Program

Amount: up to $2,000
Status: OPEN, closes 31/05/2026

Telstra Footy Country Grants - Round 2

Amount: up to $20,000 (or as specified per category) will be considered
Status: OPEN, closes 02/04/2026