AFL Central Victoria Region Council Members (est. 2024)

Nicholas was appointed as an inaugural member of the AFL Central Victoria Region Council in July 2024, before also being nominated and selected as the inaugural Chairperson.

Nicholas Falconer is an experienced financial, risk, and policy professional with over 15 years in the banking and finance sector, including senior roles at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and a nationally recognised tax agency. His expertise spans risk reporting, credit policy, and regulatory compliance, where he has contributed to the development of key organisational frameworks and performance strategies.

Beyond his professional career, Nicholas has dedicated extensive time to volunteering in leadership roles across multiple community football and netball clubs, demonstrating his deep commitment to grassroots sport.

As Chairperson of the AFL Central Victoria Region Council, he brings strong governance, strategic insight, and a community-first approach to supporting the growth and sustainability of the regional game.

Gavin Hore works for the CFA and is the Officer in Charge of the Swan Hill Workshop.

He was a member of the Central Murray/Central Rivers League Board and committee member of the Woorinen Football Netball Club.

Gavin played the majority of his career with Sandhurst and Calivil Football Netball Clubs.

Gavin was a member of the former AFL Central Victoria Commission between 2021 – 2024, before joining the newly formed AFL Central Victoria Region Council in July 2024.

Ben was appointed as an inaugural member of the AFL Central Victoria Region Council in July 2024

As the current Chief Executive Officer of the Kilmore Racing Club, Ben holds a deep knowledge in the sporting landscape, working with professional and amateur sporting bodies and participants.

Ben is a passionate Community leader who drives partnerships to mobilise, involve, and engage community leadership as a whole of community solution, and a driven leader who ensures that the needs of local communities are considered.

Lincoln was appointed as an inaugural member of the AFL Central Victoria Region Council in July 2024

As current CEO of the Loddon Shire Council, Lincoln brings more than two decades of leadership in local government, having held senior roles in asset management, project delivery and strategy across regional Victoria and overseas.

Since taking up the CEO role at Loddon Shire Council in November 2021, he has focused on building capability, supporting local communities and leading the organisation through emerging challenges and growth opportunities.

With his strong commitment to regional development and community engagement, Lincoln is well-placed to contribute to shaping and governing the future of regional football across the Central Victoria region.

Claire was appointed to the AFL Central Victoria Region Council in July 2025

With over 25 years of experience in Community Football and Netball, Claire has a strong understanding of local football and netball governance & structures.

At the end of season 2024, Claire retired from the Heathcote District Football Netball League Board after serving ten years.

Claire was seconded by Netball Victoria to be a part of the working group for the Bendigo Netball Collaboration Project Reference Group in 2023, further demonstrating her standing and knowledge of the region and community netball.

Paul was appointed to the AFL Central Victoria Region Council in July 2025.

Paul Scullie is a dynamic and experienced leader in sport, community engagement, and business operations, currently serving as CEO of the Bendigo Jockey Club.

With a diverse background spanning roles at Loddon Shire Council and AFL Mackay, he is recognised for building inclusive, high-performing environments and uniting stakeholders around shared community and sporting outcomes.

As a member of the AFL Central Victoria Region Council, Paul will draw on his strong leadership, strategic insight, and passion for regional sport to help strengthen football’s impact across the region.