Essendon President Lindsay Tanner will chair the AFL’s new governance committee designed to administer all funds raised through the AFL’s Community Relief Fundraising efforts.

The committee features 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.

Tanner has no shortage of hands-on experience in the field having tackled bushfires in East Gippsland as a teenager alongside his ongoing volunteer work as a firefighter with the CFA in Central Victoria.

He said he is “very grateful” to have to opportunity to lead the cause and help the many bushfire-affected communities across Australia get back on their feet.

“Growing up in Orbost in the East Gippsland region I was deeply saddened to see the devastation the bushfires caused, not only in my local area but in the communities around the country,” Tanner said.

“The AFL industry, through our clubs, players, fans and extended partners, have a great opportunity and responsibility to help the grassroots clubs in these affected areas and I am very grateful to be in a position to directly assist.”

Members of the governance committee
Chair – Lindsay Tanner, Essendon Football Club President
Simone Wilkie AO, AFL commissioner
Andrew Dillon, AFL general counsel and general manager of game development
Tom Harley, CEO Sydney Swans
Paul Vandenbergh, director of Aboriginal programs, Port Adelaide FC
Phil Davis, AFLPA vice-president, GWS player
Meg Downie, AFLPA board member, Melbourne AFLW player