Netball Australia receives grant to prevent domestic violence

Young netballers will benefit from an educational campaign on reducing violence against women, as part of the Australian Government’s partnership with sporting organisations to foster respectful relationships.

The Minister for the Status of Women, Julie Collins MP, today announced Netball Australia would receive $250,000 over three years to deliver the educational program to young netball players across the country.

Speaking at the State Netball Hockey Centre in Parkville, Melbourne, Ms Collins said it was important the Government worked with community organisations to reduce violence against women.

“Sporting and other organisations on the ground can effectively promote respectful relationships to help ensure women can live free of violence,” Ms Collins said.

“Tomorrow, as we celebrate International Women’s Day – we also remind ourselves there are many women in our community calling out for our help.”

Netball Australia will be working with young women and Indigenous girls to educate them on respectful relationships and the impacts of domestic violence, as well as working with netball coaches across the country. The Netball Australia program is expected to reach over 6,000 girls.

“As Australia’s largest participation sport for girls and young women netball is in a unique position to deliver the message,” Ms Collins said.

It is up to us as role models in the community to stand up and say no to violence against women and children.

“Netball Australia has already done so much in the community to raise the profile of violence against women and they deserve our thanks and our help.”

The funding is through the Australian Government’s $3.75 million Community Action Grants, being distributed among 17 community and sporting organisations across the country.

These grants are part of the Australian Government’s $86 million National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.

“All forms of violence against women are unacceptable – in any community and in any culture,” Ms Collins said.

“Changing community attitudes is a long-term challenge – by working together we can change the behaviours that allow violence to occur.”

The National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 is available from www.fahcsia.gov.au.