Instituted 10 years ago to consolidate local league administration services under the banner of 13 country football and netball commissions, the five remaining RAC’s will be wound back in the coming seasons and a number of responsibilities handed back to leagues.
Thomson said there had been no prior consultation from the state’s governing football body, revealing AFLGM had already been conducting a review into its own operational procedures.
“AFL Goulburn Murray acknowledges the recent announcement by AFL Victoria regarding the Regional Administration Centre Directional Strategies Project,” Thomson said in a statement.
“The announcement came as a surprise to us and to many across our football and netball community.
“As one of the few remaining RACs in Victoria, AFLGM was not consulted prior to this decision.
“This is despite AFL Victoria being fully aware of the detailed review we are undertaking, with our stakeholders, to ensure our operating model best serves the Goulburn Murray region now and into the future.”
The introduction of the country football commissions – which became the governing bodies for their regions after the effective dissolvement of the VCFL in 2016 – and the RACs came after the recommendations set out in then AFL Victoria Chairman Peter Jackson’s Review of Country Footy back in 2011.
AFL Victoria conceded last week that the concept of the RAC had not been realised, citing an “inability” to consolidate football management, finances, and governance had brought about its demise.
Still, questions remain as a lengthy handover process that could take several years looms.
“Our review, while still in process, is reinforcing what we already suspected, that our volunteers are under pressure,” Thomson said.
“It is imperative any future operating model reduces that burden - not adds to it.
“AFL Victoria’s proposed transition away from RAC structures raises significant questions for leagues, clubs, and the broader community.
“Concerns have already been expressed to us about the sustainability of individual league administration, the potential duplication of costs, the adequacy of funding models, the impact on governance and decision-making consistency, staffing certainty, and how critical functions such as junior development and women and girls’ programs will be supported.
“These are not minor issues; they go to the heart of how community football and netball can thrive in the years ahead.
“AFLGM is committed to working constructively with all stakeholders, including AFL Victoria.
“However, we strongly believe any structural change must be grounded in local consultation and respect for the review process already under way.”
AFLGM is seeking input into its operational review, with Thomson encouraging responses via the commission survey or by getting in contact with the organisation’s commissioners.
The Goulburn Valley League, which joined the RAC in 2014 after a year-long back-and-forth between clubs, the board, and long-standing GVL stakeholders, convened a delegates meeting last Wednesday evening to address the issue.
Board chair Peter Foott acknowledged there will be challenges in returning to a self-administered model but emphasised the league is well-positioned to manage the transition, while KDL counterpart Peter Cordy confirmed his league had already begun preliminary reviews on independent administration.
“The people of the Goulburn Murray region deserve a model that strengthens participation, supports volunteers, and protects the long-term health of the game, and that can only be determined with their input,” Thomson said.
“We look forward to continuing meaningful conversations with our leagues, clubs, and AFL Victoria.
“Our focus remains unchanged - ensuring everyone who wants to play football and netball in the Goulburn Murray region can do so in a safe, well-supported, sustainable, and thriving community.”
