Valley Sport Podcast - Sport and Community - From the Mountains to the Murray

In the final episode of our six-part junior sport series, we’re joined once again by registered sports psychologist Joel Curtis from Endeavour Wellness to tackle one of the biggest debates in community sport: should the focus be on winning, or on developing young people? While competition is an important part of sport, what happens when results become the only measure of success? Joel explores how...

In episode five of our six-part junior sport series, we once again welcome psychologist and registered sports psychologist Joel Curtis from Endeavour Wellness to discuss one of the toughest realities of sport — dealing with disappointment. Whether it's missing out on a representative team, not being selected for a finals side, suffering an injury, or simply experiencing a setback, every young athl...

In Part 2 of our Child Safety in Sport series, we continue the conversation with a child safety expert to explore what happens when concerns, complaints, or incidents arise within a sporting club. Knowing how to respond appropriately can make a significant difference to the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved. In this episode, we discuss the steps clubs should take when issues are reported,...

In this important episode of the Valley Sport Podcast, we sit down with a child safety expert to unpack the legal responsibilities sporting clubs have when it comes to protecting children and young people. Creating a safe and inclusive environment is more than just good practice – it's a legal obligation. We discuss what clubs are required to do, the policies and procedures that must be in place,...

In episode four of our six-part junior sport series, we once again sit down registered sports psychologist Joel Curtis from Endeavour Wellness to discuss a challenge facing clubs right across Australia — why young people are walking away from sport. While sport has the power to build confidence, friendships and lifelong memories, many young athletes lose their passion for the game during their tee...

In episode three of our six-part junior sport series, we sit down once again with registered sports psychologist Joel Curtis from Endeavour Wellness to explore one of the biggest factors in a young athlete’s sporting journey — confidence. Is confidence something kids are simply born with, or is it shaped by the environments around them? From coaches and parents to teammates, social media and perfo...

This week on From The Mountains to the Murray , we head to the courts with the team from the Shepp Feathers Badminton Club to unpack one of regional sport’s great growth stories. What started as just a handful of passionate players has quickly grown into a thriving community club with more than 200 members — creating connections, opportunities, and a welcoming environment for people of all ages an...

This week on From The Mountains to the Murray , the Valley Sport podcast shines a spotlight on the heartbeat of community sport – our volunteers. We sit down with a group of incredible local club volunteers to unpack their stories, explore why they give their time so generously, what they get out of being involved, and what a typical day behind the scenes really looks like. From canteen shifts and...

In this episode, we’re joined again by registered sports psychologist Joel Curtis from Endeavour Wellness to explore the powerful role parents play in junior sport. From the sidelines to the car ride home, parents can have a lasting impact on how kids experience sport—shaping their confidence, enjoyment, and long-term involvement. Joel unpacks what supportive behaviour really looks like, the commo...

In this episode, we sit down with registered sports psychologist Joel Curtis from Endeavour Wellness to unpack one of the biggest challenges in junior sport right now—pressure. From selection stress and sideline expectations to the growing influence of social media and early talent pathways, Joel shares what’s really going on inside the minds of young athletes. We explore where this pressure comes...

This week on From The Mountains To The Murray, we’re joined by Jacqui McConville from JMX Solutions—an expert in conflict management and dispute resolution—to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing local clubs and community groups. Jacqui dives into the common conflicts clubs face, why they escalate, and how committees and volunteers can better manage difficult situations. From internal disag...

In this episode of From The Mountains To The Murray , the team heads to Shepparton following Valley Sport’s Inclusive Coaching Workshop — a powerful session focused on helping local coaches create environments where everyone feels welcome, valued and supported. We’re joined by Nick Antonello from the Shepparton Swimming Club and Chris Nicholson from the Shepparton Runners Club to reflect on the wo...

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...

In this special episode of From the Mountains to the Murray , we unveil Valley Sport’s new strategic plan and explore the roadmap guiding our mission to create better lives through sport. Hosted by Valley Sport Project Officer Nate Dedman , this conversation features Valley Sport Chair Belinda Conna , Board Member Mark Bamford , and Executive Officer Megan Carr . Together, they share insights into...

In this episode of From the Mountains to the Murray , Valley Sport hits the road to visit the Broadford Bowls Club and explore how grassroots clubs are building stronger, more sustainable futures. Through Valley Sport’s Club Hubs program , supported by Sport and Recreation Victoria via the Sustainable Volunteer Workforce Program , the Broadford Bowls Club has been working to strengthen its foundat...

In this episode of From The Mountains to the Murray , we shine a spotlight on the club development and training opportunities Valley Sport will be delivering across the region in 2026. From dispute resolution training for club volunteers to Responsible Service of Alcohol courses, Respect in Sport workshops, ASD coaches education, and computer upskilling for volunteers, Valley Sport is committed to...

In this episode of Sport and Community – From the Mountains to the Murray , Valley Sport explores the vital topic of child safety in community sporting clubs. We discuss what child safety means in a sporting context, the legal requirements clubs must meet, and what is expected of local committees, volunteers, coaches, and officials. The conversation also highlights how Valley Sport supports clubs...

In the debut episode of Sport and Community: From the Mountains to the Murray, we sit down with Valley Sport Board Member Mark Lambourn and Valley Sport Executive Officer Megan Carr for an honest and uplifting conversation about the heartbeat of regional sport. Mark and Megan share their personal journeys in community sport, reflect on the dedication of local volunteers, and unpack the real-world...