New advisory group to provide community sport insights

A new advisory group has met for the first time to provide community insights on various sport and recreation items. 

Community representatives from eight sport clubs across Hobsons Bay make up the newly formed sport and recreation advisory group. 

The group features representatives from eight different sports. Group members include:  

• Karen Burns - Newport Lacrosse Club 

• Jade Hurst - Altona Juniors Football Club 

• Leigh Karafillis - Altona East Soccer Club 

• Mark Keating - Gellibrand Cricket Club 

• Efu Koka - Altona Roosters Rugby League Club 

• Gregory Mitchell - Williamstown Athletic Club 

• Narelle Shirley - Willi Tigers Netball Club 

• Paul Walshe - Newport Baseball Club 

The group will meet online and in-person across October and November to discuss and provide insights on key pieces of work, including: 

• reviewing elements of the Sport and Recreation Allocations, Fees and Charges Policy 

• providing input on the club-funded capital works policy 

• helping guide development of an updated facility user guide 

• providing information on their own club's experience. 

“I’m very happy to be part of the sport and recreation advisory group. I hope my experience as a volunteer community sports club administrator can assist the Council in supporting local clubs and initiatives,” Newport Baseball Club’s Paul Walshe said. 

“It’s also been valuable learning more about the challenges and financial aspects of Council’s sport and recreation operations, which further strengthens the strong relationship our club has with Council.”