The AFL is pleased to announce that an additional $530,474 from the AFL Community Relief Fund has been approved by the Governance committee to be immediately distributed to 18 community football clubs / leagues in bushfire affected areas.
 
This brings the total amount distributed from the AFL Community Relief Fund so far to more than $2.48 million across 304 football clubs / leagues.
 
The Governance committee chaired by Essendon Football Club President Lindsay Tanner met on the 6^th May via video conference.
 
Applications for funding were received from community football clubs and leagues across Victoria, NSW, South Australia and Queensland.
 
Committee Chair Mr Tanner said:
 
“The bushfires had a devasting effect on so many people in the community, and while we are all navigating through a different challenge right now, it is important to ensure those clubs effected know we are committed to continuing to work with you through the rebuild and recovery stage.” Mr Tanner said.
 
“To the clubs and leagues that submitted for funding I want to thank you for your applications, and we hope this will help you get back on your feet.”
 
Clubs / leagues that received the latest distribution of funding:
  

 
The Governance Committee will now await further applications and meet again in August to review.
 
The AFL, its 18 Clubs and AFL / AFLW players through the AFL Players’ Association, announced earlier this year that a collective $8 million dollars had been raised for Bushfire Relief.
 
The figure is comprised of: 

• $2.5 million by the AFL, its 18 Clubs and AFL / AFLW players through the AFL Players’ Association.
• $3.9 million from the State of Origin double header event, fundraising collection points at AFLW matches and contributions by AFL corporate partners.
• $1.6 million in club led activities. 

About the Governance Committee

The AFL has formed a governance committee to administer the remaining funds raised from the Community Relief Fund.
 
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said the committee would ensure the football clubs and footballing families in bushfire affected areas will receive the support of the AFL Community.
 
Essendon Football Club President and former Federal Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner chairs the Governance Committee, with representatives from across the AFL industry, representing states and territories that have been impacted as well as people with community, legal, infrastructure, club and playing experience. 
 
KPMG have been engaged to audit the process.
 
Members of the Governance Committee include: 

• Chair - Lindsay Tanner, Essendon President
• Simone Wilkie AO, AFL Commissioner
• Andrew Dillon, AFL General Counsel & GM Game Development
• Tom Harley, CEO Sydney Swans
• Paul Vandenbergh, Director Aboriginal programs, Port Adelaide Football Club 
• Phil Davis, AFLPA Vice President, GWS Giants player
• Meg Downie, AFLPA board member, Melbourne Demons AFLW player

For more information on the Governance Committee.
 
Football clubs in bushfire affected areas can download application forms for funding here