On this week’s episode of Valley Sport: From the Mountains to the Murray, we’re joined by Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali, Australian Sports Commission Program Manager for Industry Projects Nick Abroms, and Valley Sport Executive Officer Megan Carr for an important conversation about the future of community sport.

Together, we explore the real barriers preventing underrepresented communities from fully participating in local sport — and how councils, state bodies, and national organisations are working collaboratively to remove them. From governance and volunteering challenges to inclusion, accessibility and cultural safety, this episode dives into what it truly takes to build safe, welcoming and vibrant sporting clubs.

These discussions come ahead of one of three community consultations led by the Australian Sports Commission’s Sports Volunteer Coalition, designed to better understand the challenges facing volunteers and communities across the region.

If you care about the strength, sustainability and inclusivity of grassroots sport, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.