Further to the recent announcement of the recruitment process for the new Central Victoria Australian Football (CVAF) Commission, I would like to announce and introduce the inaugural chair and commissioners.

The recruitment process encompassed a broad cross section of interest; both of professional backgrounds and heavily weighted community volunteerism. ‘The interest shown was overwhelming; we received over 35 expressions of interest and we are very encouraged for the future in that people really want to put their hand up to tackle the real issues in football communities.' (Nick Carter, CVAF Working Group Chair)

As well as the appointment of the eleven commissioners, the process also included the search for a chair person. I am pleased to announce Collin Brady has accepted the position as inaugural chair. Collin has wide ranging skills and experience at all levels of community football; as a player, coach, an administrator as club president, league delegate and more recently as a board member of the Bendigo Football & Netball Club. ‘Col brings enormous balance and leadership to the commission. His involvement at the heart of clubs, but also his leadership from a community engagement perspective will provide great thought to building the capacity of football communities - we are very fortunate to have him on board.' (Nick Carter, CVAF Working Group Chair)

Collin Brady, heads up ‘Community Strengthening' for Bendigo and Adelaide Bank nationally and has developed strategies in conjunction with communities all over Australia to build the capacity and sustainability of communities the bank operates in. Collin has also been heavily involved in local and state government in the field of community development, sports and recreation, and in the past was a founding member and former chairman of the Strathfieldsaye Community Enterprise, a group which was instrumental in building the sport and recreation facilities to support the development of the Strathfieldsaye Football Netball Clubs introduction into the Bendigo Football Netball League.

New commissioners
The following people have been successful in gaining selection on the first CVAF Commission and will be formally appointed prior to Christmas. Collin Brady (Chair), Leon Holt, Brett Fitzpatrick, Greg Westbrook, Mark Johnston, Wendy James, David Joss, Meagan Keating, Andrew Cooney and Nick Carter.

‘We believe that the diligent process undertaken with selection of process has resulted in a diverse group of people with common interest and strong levels of experience in leading change.' (Nick Carter, CVAF Working Group Chair)
On behalf of AFL Victoria and CVAF Working Group I would like to congratulate all successful commissioners.

Nick Carter
Central Victoria Australian Football, Working Group - Chairman