VOLLEYBALL Victoria’s Annual Affiliate Awards were held on Sunday at the State Volleyball Centre in Melbourne, with Goulburn Valley Volleyball Association (GVVA) winning Most Outstanding Association for 2025.
In just their first year as an Association and Affiliate, GVVA successfully applied for 11 grants, attracting State and Local Government funding of over $21,600, enabling the purchase of much-needed volleyball equipment, running their first GVVL competition, training members as referees and coaches, attending championship tournaments and installing sleeves on the show courts at Shepparton Sports Stadium, effectively doubling the number of tournament-quality courts.
“I can’t wait to share this with our community,” said GVVA President Sharon Murray.
“We’ve had incredible support from the team at Volleyball Victoria, but also appreciative of support from the State Government, Community Wellbeing at Greater Shepparton City Council, Valley Sport and Ethnic Council Shepparton.”
“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.”
GVVA President, Sharon Murray, was also the 2025 Volunteer Achievement Award winner. 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.
“GVVA have achieved remarkable outcomes for volleyball after only formally affiliating with Volleyball Victoria less than 18 months ago,” said Volleyball Victoria’s Helen Billy Jones.
“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 multilayered social benefit for their vibrant volleyball community.”
GVVA runs weekly volleyball sessions at Shepparton Sports Stadium from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Friday and Sunday nights, with a junior program 4.30pm to 6pm on Sundays for 12 to 14-year-olds. They are hosting a One Day Series open to all secondary schools in the region on Tuesday, July 21. For more information, visit www.gvva.com.au.
