AFL Victoria has confirmed the establishment of five new region councils across the state with AFL Western District being one of the five to establish the new initiative.

The new council replaces the Commission structure that was deemed no longer fit for purpose during the pandemic.

Following an expressions of interest process, council members were appointed and inducted for AFL Western District, AFL Goldfields, AFL Gippsland, AFL Wimmera Mallee, and AFL South East.

The AFL Western District council will consist of Mallissa Sealey who is a volunteer at many sporting clubs and is an employee of AFL Victoria as a game development officer, where she will add her experience involving diversity to the council.

Ben Walsh, a school teacher from Warrnambool with extensive coaching experience including being the next generation academy at the Western Bulldogs where he has extensive experience at next level development of multicultural participants.

Patrick Doran, a former president of North Warrnambool Eagles for 10 years, who has been a club volunteer for decades and has vast connections to local clubs.  

The members all enter the role with a mix of skills and expertise relevant to the purpose and responsibilities of the council. 

The councils have been established to provide constructive guidance and recommendations on a range of strategic and demographic issues that arise within their region.

One of the reasons for the establishment of the councils was to have in place a system whereby local people make local decisions for the member leagues while working in conjunction with both the leagues and AFL Victoria.

Among the responsibilities of the region councils will be to provide advice and recommendations that are in the best interest of the region, including around proposing, changes and modifications to rules, regulations and by-laws and age group determinations.

Region Councils will also support participation growth and club development opportunities.

“The region councils have been established to help local football in country regions across the state,” Head of AFL Victoria said.

“We are really pleased with the calibre of people who put themselves forward and have been appointed to represent their regions.

“All council members share a passion for the game and a deep understanding of their regions, which will help to ensure constructive guidance and local leadership is provided.

“We know there are clubs and communities doing it tough, and AFL Victoria is committed to directing support to where it’s needed most, and the councils will help to ensure local knowledge and needs are factored into ensuring the game thrives well into the future.”

AFL Western District region general manager, Jason Muldoon, is enthusiastic about the new council and especially with the calibre of those who nominated.

“The council is a new initiative that replaces the old Commission structure that was in place up to COVID-19 hitting,” Muldoon said.

“The council adds another level of governance, but is aimed at the local level where we will deal with local issues.

“Each council member has been appointed for a three-year term after which they must reapply and can sit on council for a maximum of nine years in total.”

The council will have its first meeting on Monday 22 April where a chairperson will be elected.