Goulburn Valley Volleyball Association was bestowed with a coveted award by Volleyball Victoria.
Goulburn Valley Volleyball Association is celebrating winning the Most Outstanding Association prize at the Volleyball Victoria Annual Affiliate Awards.
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In its first year as an association and affiliate Goulburn Valley successfully applied for 11 grants, attracting state and local government funding of more than $21,600.
This enabled the Shepparton club to attend championship tournaments and buy much-needed equipment, while training members as referees and coaches.
In addition, the cash injection allowed the association to host its first Goulburn Valley Volleyball League competition, alongside installing sleeves on the show courts at Shepparton Sports Stadium – effectively doubling the number of tournament-quality courts at the venue.
Entering two sides at the Country Championships in the past 12 months, the association successfully hosted 24 teams – competing in more than 60 matches – at the Shepp Revival Tournament in the city between February 28 and March 1.
Association president Sharon Murray was also the 2025 Volunteer Achievement Award winner at the garland Volleyball Victoria awards ceremony, which was held at the State Volleyball Centre in Dandenong North.
The award recognises an individual who provides outstanding services to volleyball in the areas of administration, officiating and volunteering at club, association or state level.
Spikers star Tanielu Faoagali in action at the Shepp Revival tournament.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Speaking after she was bestowed with the prize on a night to remember in Melbourne, Murray’s pride was palpable as she paid tribute to the volleyball community in the Goulburn Valley.
“I can’t wait to share this with our community,” she said.
“We’ve had incredible support from the team at Volleyball Victoria, but also appreciative of support from the Victorian Government, Community Wellbeing at Greater Shepparton City Council, Valley Sport and Ethnic Council Shepparton.”
Reflecting on a bumper year for the association after affiliating with Volleyball Victoria at the end of 2024, Murray urged budding volleyball enthusiasts to come and take part in upcoming sessions.
“Volleyball Victoria are expanding opportunities in regional Victoria, there’s a one-day series open to all secondary schools in the wider region coming to Shepparton on Tuesday, July 21,” she said.
“GVVA runs weekly volleyball sessions at Shepparton Sports Stadium from 6.30pm to 8.30pm Friday and Sunday nights, with a junior program 4.30pm to 6pm Sundays for 12 to 14 years.
“Our first Shepp Revival tournament in 2025 quickly hit capacity, with 24 teams competing in over 60 matches on the three volleyball courts Shepp had.
“Doubling the courts meant we could expand this year to 50 teams and deliver a better experience all round.”
Meanwhile, Helen Jones of Volleyball Victoria spoke with effusive praise for the efforts of everyone associated with the GVVA after a landmark first year in affiliation with her organisation.
“GVVA have achieved remarkable outcomes for volleyball after only formally affiliating with Volleyball Victoria less than 18 months ago,” she said.
“Their activities and advocacy have made an incredible impact and significantly increased volleyball access and services delivery across the local area.
“This has resulted in multi-layered social benefit for their vibrant volleyball community.
“Activities have seen membership multiply four-fold, the doubling of available courts at community facilities, and more than 100 per cent increase in teams registered for this year's Shepp Revival volleyball tournament.
“The organisation and its volunteers should be commended for their proactive and community-driven efforts.”
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