NSW Invests $3 Million In Sport-Led Anti-Violence Program
Image: NAB AFL Auskick/Facebook
Sporting organisations across NSW are being asked to play a bigger role in preventing domestic, family, and sexual violence, under a new state government grants program worth more than $3 million.
The Game on for Change – Preventing Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) Through Sport Grant Program will fund professional sporting bodies and local community clubs to run education and prevention projects that use the influence of sport to challenge attitudes that excuse or minimise abuse.
“The Game On for Change Program, uses the power of sport to shift attitudes, drive cultural change, and build a safer NSW for women and children,” said NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper.
“Sport is part of the fabric of NSW, and with our sporting organisations we’re sending a clear message that there is no place for domestic, family or sexual violence.”
“Sport has incredible influence and reach in our community and can be a way to promote positive and healthy behaviours and attitudes,” said NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison.
“We aim to engage players, coaches, administrators, spectators, communities, and other key stakeholders to change community attitudes that condone or tolerate violence in our community.”
$38 million push to stop violence
Over the next two years, eligible professional sporting organisations, State Sporting Organisations, community sports clubs, not-for-profit community-based organisations with prevention expertise, and higher education institutions, will be able to apply for grants ranging from $15,000 to $450,000.
The program falls within a $38 million funding for primary prevention initiatives, announced in the 2024–2025 NSW Budget.
It also sits alongside NSW’s first standalone Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 2024–2028, launched in 2024. The plan focuses on changing the underlying attitudes and inequalities that lead to abuse.
“The NSW Government is creating a safer state and stopping the violence before it starts is how we work towards eliminating domestic, family and sexual violence,” said Harrison.
The government says it wants clubs to come up with creative new ways to use sport to address gendered violence and promote equality. The Game on for Change program is just one part of the Minns Labor Government’s efforts as a response to domestic, family, and sexual violence, alongside crisis services, stronger legal protections, earlier intervention, and work to hold offenders accountable.
“…As we approach the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, I urge sporting organisations to consider how they can use their unique influence to help create a safer community. By stepping up to challenge the drivers of gendered violence, sporting organisations have the opportunity to help deliver real, lasting change,” said NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner and Chair of the Multi-Sport Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, Hannah Tonkin.
“Sport has a huge impact on Australian society. It helps shape community attitudes, values and behaviour, which is why sporting organisations can play a powerful role in preventing domestic, family and sexual violence.”
Further information on the program and application deadlines can be found on its website.
