AFL's presence in the Riverina has taken a huge hit with almost all of the code's workforce in Southern NSW stood down.
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AFL informed staff of the decision on Monday that saw 80 per cent of the organisation stood down without pay nationwide.
Southern NSW was one of regions worst hit with 10 full-time staff stood down until May 31.
Southern NSW regional manager Marc Geppert is the only staff member from the Wagga office that remains at work, but on reduced hours.
The AFL have reportedly told employees they can take annual and long service leave during the stand-down period, which starts from next Monday, if they wish.
It is also understood the AFL will pay the stood-down staff nine additional special leave days at full pay as compensation.
The drastic measure comes after the AFL suspended the 2020 season on Sunday, until May 31 at least, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Geppert, who was only promoted to the top job earlier this month, was unable to comment on the matter.
AFL NSW-ACT acting chief executive, Tiffany Robertson, confirmed the news to clubs.
"The AFL, and by extension AFL NSW-ACT, have now begun the difficult process of restructuring our business operations to ensure the ongoing viability of our sport," Robertson said in a statement to clubs.
"This has meant the difficult decision of temporarily standing down many of AFL NSW-ACT's staff from Monday, 30 March 2020 until Sunday, 31 May 2020.
"We have such a dedicated and passionate team right across the state and territory, which has made these necessary steps extremely hard."
Community competitions, like the Riverina and Farrer Leagues, have also been suspended until May 31, if they go ahead at all.
AFL NSW-ACT and AFL Riverina are in the process of establishing a working party to guide an eventual return to competition.
Meantime, it is understood local NSWRL officials are still working while NRL employees have taken leave until May 1, in line with instructions given to employees at the NRL's head office.
The Group Nine senior competition has been postponed until May 1 at least.
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