Former president of the Riverina Football Netball League and well known secondary school teacher and resident Robert Ash has passed away.

“Ashy” as he was known made an enduring contribution to the region’s Football and Netball community over many decades.

His involvement began as a player with Wagga Tigers and the RCAE Bushpigs (now CSU) during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s.

He later continued his commitment to the game as a coach with Narrandera throughout the mid to late 1990’s.

In more recent years, Ashy served with dedication as President of the Riverina FNL from 2013 to 2017, in addition to his service as a committee member for several years.

His commitment to strengthening its competitions was unwaivering, and he was a passionate advocate for representative football.

He also contributed significantly to the broader game through his long-standing involvement with the NSW Combined High Schools program, where he coached and mentored numerous players who would go on to make their mark at local, state and elite levels.

AFL Riverina extends its sincere condolences to his wife Colleen, daughters Cara, Emma and Christie, their partners and his cherished grandchildren.

The funeral service was held on Wednesday 21 January 2026 at at St Mel’s Catholic Church followed by the wake at the Narrandera Racecourse.