AFL Northern Territory will assume control of AFLCA following a Special General Meeting on 20th of June by the AFL Central Australia Board, passing a resolution that would hand governance of AFLCA to AFLNT.
"This is a major step forward for football right across the Northern Territory," advised AFLNT Chief Executive Officer Tony Frawley, "current football operations on the ground will see minimal changes effected, but i
The benefits include increased investment in the region and a focus on financial security and governance via management of financial affairs by the AFL Financial Services department in Melbourne.
n essence it will mean that the future strategic direction of Centralian football will be managed by AFLNT to ensure the growth of the game in the region continues"
"Financial security is something that we want to achieve for our Central Australian operation. A lot of what we do comes down to funding and more importantly how we spend that funding which has been an ongoing issue over the years," said Frawley
On top of the financial security benefits, all AFLCA staff will now be directly employed by AFLNT and receive that same benefits and career pathways afforded to other AFL staff across the country including portability of roles and improved personal and professional development.
Current AFLCA Chair Beverly Ellis said the change would provide much needed stability for Centralian Football.
"We have had 13 General Managers in twelve years, and governance structure and career pathways provided by the AFL with enable us to retain staff in the Territory and more importantly provide more opportunities for employment at an administrative level,"
"It has been widely spoken the power of football in changing lives, therefore with this added focus on football development, it in turn can lead to personal development of young people in and around the communities of Central Australia," added Ellis.
Frawley advised of recent capital expenditure to begin the process was a crucial step, "The recently remodeled office accommodation and increased focus on ongoing support from AFLNT staff will ensure an integrated approach across all departments from Game Development, Commercial Operations, Football and Talent Identification,"
In order for local issues to be identified and discussed, AFLNT will appoint a Central Australia Advisory Committee consisting of five Central Australian representatives.
"We still want Central Australian’s to retain ownership and direction of football on a local level, and the Advisory Committee will meet quarterly with our Executive to discuss issues and ideas on how AFLNT can progress the development of football in Central Australia, under the AFL’s seven key development objectives for the game."
Ellis echoed the comments of the AFLNT CEO, "local knowledge will be vital to ensure that the needs and direction of the development of football are addressed by people "on the ground."
AFLNT will be advertising for nominations for the Central Australian Advisory Committee in the coming weeks.
Frawley has also noted that the support from key people within Central Australia football circles was another key aspect of progressing the amalgamation of AFLCA under the AFLNT banner.
"Having spoken to AFLCA Clubs and stakeholders, there is a will to embrace this positive change for the greater good of the game .We are excited about the future and opportunities for AFL in Central Australia.
"We have some very good football assets and passionate, committed individuals across all levels of football in Central Australia who with strong support and expert guidance from AFLNT can ensure the health of the game in Central Australia for generations to come."
"The background to the decision emanates from AFLNT’s strategic plan where by we are continually exploring more efficient ways of working together. The structures that govern football were put into place many decades ago and in many ways are costly and inefficient.
"Since my time in Football it is clear that many levels of Australian Football have not worked well together. The code has long operated as a series of ‘silos’ between major and minor leagues and clubs. As a result there is duplication and lack of coordination which is more costly and causes poorer delivery of services to local football clubs and leagues.
Andy Hood, Regional Manager of AFLCA also believes this a positive step forward, "the affiliation of the AFLNT and AFLCA is a positive step forward, and will ensurethat Central Australia willhave a successful, professional and sustainable competition for future generations."
"The vision should be for more collaboration..think Territory wide but act locally!" said Frawley.
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