Mount Barker Still in the Game for Gather Round

“Now that Lyndoch Oval is ready to host, it’s expected that one or more games will be played there over the remaining two years of the State Government’s current agreement with the AFL,” Mayor Leach said.

“While the Barossa has shown its ability to successfully host games this year, Mount Barker will continue to explore how we can feature in future Gather Rounds in South Australia. Our hat remains firmly in the ring. We are always ready to contribute to major events brought into the state by the Government.”

Mount Barker District Council has extended its congratulations to Barossa Council on the successful delivery of the 2025 Gather Round at Lyndoch Recreation Park.

“This is another fantastic result for regional South Australia,” Mayor Leach said.

“Gather Round brought national attention to Mount Barker and gave our local fans the rare opportunity to experience elite-level AFL in their own backyard. We have no doubt the Barossa community has experienced similar benefits. It’s a great initiative, not just for sport, but for regional economies and the wider South Australian community.”

Mayor Leach confirmed that Council remains open to future Gather Round opportunities and continues to work closely with the AFL.

“No decision has been made to step away from hosting,” he said.

“While the Barossa has now hosted the Gather Round, we continue to advocate for a model that includes two regional venues - Mount Barker and the Barossa. That was our pitch last year, and it remains our vision. We don’t see it as a competition between us; we want both regions - both of South Australia’s premier wine and food destinations - to share in the success.

“We shouldn’t be constrained by logistical challenges of preparing two regional grounds, the broader benefits to community, tourism, and the economy far outweigh those challenges.”

Mayor Leach said discussions are ongoing with the AFL regarding future programming at the Summit Sport and Recreation Park (SSRP).

“Whether it’s Gather Round, pre-season matches or elite-level training and development, these events have enormous value, not only for community development but also for our region’s economy and tourism sector.”

Mount Barker District Council has already demonstrated its capacity to deliver major sporting events. In addition to hosting three Gather Round games over two years, SSRP also hosted the Built Summit Showdown earlier this year - a pre-season AFL clash delivered entirely by the council.

“While Gather Round involved significant support from the AFL and State Government, the Summit Showdown was entirely Council-led,” Mayor Leach explained.

“Our teams managed everything from planning, sponsorship and venue preparation, through to safety, compliance and promotion. It was a huge effort and a great success.

“But the Summit Showdown wasn’t just about football—it was about bringing our community together and strengthening Mount Barker’s position as a key player in South Australia’s visitor economy.”

Mayor Leach said Council remains hopeful that Mount Barker’s track record of delivering major events will continue to be recognised by both the AFL and the State Government.

“We would absolutely welcome the opportunity to host Gather Round games again next year and in any future year the event remains in South Australia,” he said.

“In addition, we haven’t lost sight that the oval should also host games from the local HFL league and we are working on making that happen.”