The Board of the Northern Football Netball League appointed Scott Walker as Chairman of the NFNL at the February Board Meeting.
Walker replaces Michael McLellan, who stepped back from the Chairman role due to increased work commitments. McLellan will remain on the NFNL Board and will serve as Vice-Chairman.
Walker said it was an honour to accept the Chairman’s role after serving as Vice-Chairman for the past two years.
“I’m excited by the opportunity because, from my perspective, the league is in a great position and a very strong position,” Walker said.
“There are a lot of clubs and a lot of people doing lots of great things around the league.
“There are opportunities to continue to expand and deliver great access to sport around the northern region of Melbourne.”
Walker said the recent move of the NFNL’s administration office to La Trobe University provided the foundation for an exciting new era for the league.
“I think the new administration office at La Trobe University really demonstrates the next step that the league is taking from a professionalism point of view,” he said.
“It puts us at the heart of the northern region, but it also gives us a presence and a prominence and a connection with an institution that is also forward-looking and forward-thinking in La Trobe University.
“That sends the right message for everyone across the northern region about what this league is about and what we’re trying to do.”
A qualified town planner who has served in a range of senior roles within councils, Walker currently serves as Director City Development at Banyule City Council, where he oversees a team of close to 160 people.
He also has an extensive football background, having served as a coach at both senior and junior level, club administrator and, most recently, field umpire – a role he hoped to continue throughout the 2020 season.
“I don’t think there would be many others around, particularly from an administration level, who would have the 360-degree perspective on the league,” he said.
“For me, I’ve been able to have a look at it from many different angles and get some real perspective.
“That’s why I’m so confident in the future of the league and what it’s trying to do and the way it is connecting with its local communities.
“It’s building strong foundations and resilience in the sporting clubs that are part of the league and helping them grow and looking forward to the future.
“That’s what really inspires me and looking at the league from all of those different perspectives I can see strength and growth in all of the different areas.”
Walker said he was delighted to have outgoing Chairman Michal McLellan continue on the Board.
“Michael is committed to the league and the future of the league,” Walker said.
“Him stepping back is all about his work commitments and that’s meant that he’s had to pull back a little bit. He’s really committed to the league and that’s why he is going to support me as vice-chairman.”
Susan Hecker, Nicolina Lademann, Paul McInerney, Bronwyn Neeson and Steve Sampson will also serve on the NFNL Board during the 2020 season.
The NFNL wishes to thank outgoing director Diana Pettie for her valued service to the Board. Pettie joined the NFNL Board at the 2014 Annual General Meeting and served for five seasons.
