In a landmark move for regional Australian rules football, the AFL Barwon commission has announced the appointment of Kate Patterson as its inaugural chief executive officer. This historic appointment, confirmed on Monday, signals a new strategic direction for the administrative body overseeing Aussie rules in the Geelong and surrounding regions.
A Strategic Appointment for a Growing Region
The decision to create and fill the CEO role follows a comprehensive organisational review aimed at strengthening the governance and future growth of Australian football and netball across the Barwon region. Patterson, who brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as Netball Victoria's head of community netball, is set to commence her new position on July 29, 2024.
AFL Barwon chair, Tim Habel, emphasised the significance of this appointment. He stated that Patterson was selected following an extensive recruitment process, highlighting her proven leadership and deep understanding of community sport as key factors in the decision. Her mandate will be to lead the organisation's strategic operations and enhance the development pathways for both football and netball.
Patterson's Vision and Background
Expressing her honour at being chosen for the role, Kate Patterson outlined her commitment to the community. "I am incredibly honoured to be appointed as the inaugural chief executive of AFL Barwon," she said. Her vision is firmly centred on fostering a strong, inclusive, and sustainable sporting environment for all participants, from grassroots juniors to elite-level competitors.
Patterson's professional background is firmly rooted in sports administration. Before her tenure at Netball Victoria, she held the position of Netball Australia's national participation manager. This extensive experience in managing participation growth and community engagement at a national level is expected to be invaluable for AFL Barwon's future initiatives.
Driving Football and Netball Forward
The creation of the CEO role underscores the increasing complexity and importance of AFL Barwon's operations. The commission itself was established in 2008 to govern Australian football in the Geelong, Colac, and Surf Coast regions. This new executive leadership position is designed to provide dedicated, day-to-day strategic oversight, allowing the commission to focus on broader governance and advisory functions.
This structural change is seen as a direct response to the region's growth and the evolving needs of its 40-plus clubs and thousands of players, coaches, volunteers, and officials. Tim Habel expressed the commission's confidence that Patterson's leadership will be instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities facing community sport, including facility development, volunteer support, and promoting inclusive participation.
The appointment of Kate Patterson as the first chief executive of AFL Barwon is more than just a new hire; it represents a strategic investment in the future of one of Australia's most passionate football heartlands. With her leadership, the region aims to build on its rich sporting heritage and ensure its clubs and communities thrive for generations to come.
