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- Valley Sport eNews - May 2026
Valley Sport eNews - May 2026
Valley Sport eNews - 1 May 2026
Hi there! There’s been plenty happening across our region, with clubs, communities and partners continuing to come together to build stronger, more inclusive sport. In this month’s update, we’re sharing some great opportunities to get involved, highlights from recent workshops, and programs making a real impact locally. As always, we’re proud to support the people and clubs at the heart of community sport - from the Mountains to the Murray.
Set The Standard: Creating culturally safer clubs
Community sport is where connection, confidence and community come to life - but for that to happen, everyone needs to feel safe, welcome and included.
Racism in sport isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it shows up as banter, exclusion, or silence - and when it goes unaddressed, it can push people away from sport and the many benefits it brings.
Set The Standard is here to help.
This initiative provides practical tools and guidance to support clubs in creating culturally safer, more inclusive environments - giving coaches, leaders and volunteers the confidence to take action.
It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. Small, everyday actions - like calling out inappropriate behaviour, welcoming new members, and checking in on teammates - can make a big difference in shaping positive club culture.
With 56% of participants reporting they’ve experienced or witnessed racism in community sport, it’s clear that this work matters.
At Valley Sport, we’re proud to support initiatives like Set The Standard, helping clubs across our region build stronger, more inclusive environments where everyone can belong.
👉 Want to learn more?
Shaping the future of disability and autism in Victoria
The Victorian Government is currently developing the next State Disability Plan and Victorian Autism Plan - and they’re inviting community members to help shape what comes next.
At Valley Sport, we know how important it is that sport and recreation are inclusive, accessible and shaped by the voices of those with lived experience. This is a valuable opportunity for our communities to share insights, experiences and ideas that can influence future priorities and outcomes.
Get involved locally – Shepparton session
There will be an in-person engagement session in Shepparton:
📅 Thursday 11 June 2026 ⏰ 11:00am – 1:00pm
👉 Registration via the Expression of Interest form on the Engage Victoria page
What feedback is being sought?
The Victorian Government is seeking insights into what is working well, what could be improved, and priorities for the future — along with ideas to help shape the next State Disability and Autism Plans.
Other ways to participate
A range of online sessions are available, covering topics such as health and wellbeing, social inclusion, sport and recreation, education, employment, housing, advocacy and rights. There is also a dedicated session focused specifically on autism.
Who should get involved?
The Government is encouraging input from people with disability, Autistic people, families, carers and supporters, as well as advocates, community organisations and local government.
At Valley Sport, we strongly encourage our clubs, partners and communities to take part. Your voice matters in shaping more inclusive opportunities - both in sport and across the wider community.
👉 Find out more and register: https://engage.vic.gov.au/disabilityplan
Our Valley Sport: From the Mountains to the Murray podcast continues to bring you real conversations with the people shaping community sport across our region. From inclusion and volunteering to leadership and local impact, each episode dives into the challenges and opportunities facing grassroots sport. If you care about stronger, more connected and more inclusive sporting communities, tune in and join the conversation.
 | Let Them Play Tennis - Mitchell Shire🎾We’re excited to bring Let Them Play Tennis to Mitchell Shire - a fun, inclusive program designed for children aged 7-12 who are Autistic or neurodivergent. This 6-week program focuses on building confidence, connection and skills in a safe, supportive environment 💙 What to expect: 📍 Wallan, Kilmore & Broadford 👉 Register or learn more: |
 | Respect in Sport - Moira ShireCalling all local clubs and volunteers in Moira and surrounds! Join us for a FREE workshop, exclusively available to clubs and selected groups within Moira Shire Council, designed to help build a culture of safety, equality and respect - setting your club up for long-term success. You’ll learn how to: Limited Spots Available 📍 Cobram 📍 Numurkah |
 | Dindi Skills!! Come & Try Sessions AlexandraThinking about trying something new? These sessions are the perfect place to start. Our FREE Dindi Skills!! Come & Try Sessions in Alexandra are designed for young people aged 12–25, offering a range of fun and welcoming activities to explore. Whether you try one session or jump into them all, it’s a great way to get active, meet new people and discover what you love. Plus, if you find something you enjoy, special start-up offers are available to help you continue. Head to the link below to view full details and register for each activity: |
Monthly Wrap-Up: Real Conversations. Real Impact.
It’s been a month of strong conversations and real impact across our region. From tackling conflict in clubs to strengthening connections with multicultural communities, these moments are driving positive change where it matters most. We’re excited to see these learnings put into action and continue building stronger, more inclusive sport across our region.
Over 50 participants joined our recent online workshop — highlighting just how important managing conflict is for clubs across our region. A big thank you to Jacqui McConville from JMX Solutions for delivering a practical and engaging session. 💬 “We don’t need to fix everything - just don’t ignore it. Small actions shift culture. Your calm response models your code of conduct and club values.” A simple reminder that how we respond as leaders shapes positive, respectful club environments. We’re excited to see these learnings put into action across our clubs. Listen online via Transistor.fm or follow us on Spotify |  |
The Valley Sport team recently took part in a multicultural awareness session with Sam Atukorala from the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District, exploring how we can better connect with multicultural communities across our region. 💬 Key takeaway? Do a little more — take the time to listen, build relationships, and find common ground. We’re excited to continue this work and strengthen inclusive, connected communities through sport. |  |
Together, we’re building stronger sport - from the Mountains to the Murray.
 Sport & Recreation Victoria Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant Program Amount: up to $2,000 |  AFL & Telstra Telstra Footy Country Grants - Round 3 Amount: up to $20,000 (or as specified per category) will be considered |
 Moira Shire Council Community Grants Amount: see individual grants for details |
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
Podcasts: Listen online via Transistor.fm or follow us on Spotify
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