THE Longwood Football Netball Club will welcome a special guest for this year’s Annual Presidents Lunch, with Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Football League, Andrew Dillon, set to attend as guest speaker.
The luncheon, to be held on Saturday 21 June from 12pm to 2pm, is a regular fixture on the Longwood calendar.
Club president Ricki Shiner said this year’s event holds extra significance.
“This year’s event is probably that little bit more special, having the opportunity to host the highest-ranking AFL figure in Andrew Dillon,” Mr Shiner said.
“To have the chance for him to see how real grassroots football and netball community clubs work, and to understand the importance of the club and gameplay to all involved, is a real privilege.”
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The opportunity to host Mr Dillon came about through a club partnership.
“Alistair Ewart from our merchandise partner Winning Edge Presentations has a personal relationship with Andrew through his work with the AFL,” Mr Shiner said.
“Alistair supplies awards and merchandise to a number of AFL clubs.
"We’re fortunate he helped make this happen.”
Mr Shiner said the visit is a proud moment for the club and a valuable recognition of regional football and netball communities.
“Andrew would have a massive number of demands on his time, and for him to visit Longwood and get back to the real roots of football is an amazing opportunity to promote our club, generate funds, and give people a chance to ask questions of the AFL and its direction.”
Mr Shiner hopes the AFL boss will leave with a deeper understanding of the broader role local clubs play.
“We hope he can sense the importance of the game to our community and the health of our club,” he said.
“Clubs are more than just the game itself - it’s vital the AFL supports and helps grow all clubs, not just those at the elite level.
"We all have our part to play.”
The Presidents Lunch will feature a two-course meal, drinks, raffle prizes and auction items, as well as a presentation from Mr Dillon.
Tickets are $75 per person and available via the events section on the club’s website.
The club is also nearing completion of its female-friendly change facilities, a project years in the making.
“The facilities have been going well," Mr Shiner said.
"The weather has been kind, which has helped us stay on schedule."
The building is almost complete, with a short delay caused by sewage approvals now resolved and works expected to resume this week.
“We’re hoping to be in the building in about four weeks,” Mr Shiner said.
“If all goes to plan, we may even have the facilities open the week of the Presidents Lunch.”
The project has received support across all levels of government and from the wider Longwood community.
“Jaclyn Symes helped secure the final tick of approval, and we’ve also had strong support from Sam Birrell and Annabelle Cleeland,” Mr Shiner said.
Former Strathbogie Shire staff member Craig White played a major role in the development.
“Craig led the grant application and campaigning and did a magnificent job,” Mr Shiner said.
“We also thank our community, the Community Centre of Management, and Kathryn Goodall who started this process more than six years ago.”
The Longwood Football Netball Club continues to demonstrate what a strong, united and community-driven club can achieve.
Delivering lasting facilities, attracting national attention, and proudly championing grassroots sport.
