A Valley Sport initiative has equipped 13 local sporting clubs with vital emergency and disaster preparedness skills at a dedicated workshop in Shepparton.
Committee members from clubs across Mooroopna, Shepparton, Kialla, Katandra, and surrounding areas actively participated in the workshops, focusing on crafting customised disaster recovery plans.
The initiative was launched following the devastating October 2022 floods that impacted regional Victoria and Greater Shepparton.
“Community sport is more than just games and training—it's a place of belonging, resilience, and recovery,” Valley Sport project officer Nate Dedman said.
“Through this workshop, we're equipping clubs with the tools they need to protect what matters most.”
Participants received practical, one-on-one guidance in creating comprehensive Disaster Recovery Toolkits.
These encompass detailed asset management plans, risk assessments for local threats, critical club information, and establishment of Disaster Recovery Sub-Committees within each organisation.
“Our goal is to upskill and prepare clubs so that sport in the Goulburn Valley region can continue to thrive, no matter what comes our way,” Valley Sport Project Officer Steph Gorrie said.
The workshop, funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments as part of their 2022 flood response package, received additional backing from Greater Shepparton City Council, La Trobe University, and the SES.
Building on the success of the Shepparton launch, Valley Sport aims to expand this vital program to the Benalla and Mitchell shires by early 2026, further strengthening regional preparedness.
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