Sport stands against Domestic Violence with $3 million boost.
Media Release /Monday, 6 July 2026
The Minns Labor Government is building a safer New South Wales, by working with the sporting community to stop domestic, family and sexual violence before it starts.
Twenty professional sporting organisations, State Sporting Organisations, community sports clubs and not-for-profit community-based organisations will share in the more than $3 million Game on for Change grant program.
Each will receive grants from $15,000-$450,000 to deliver sport-based programs that address the gendered drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence, and contribute to positive behaviour change.
The Program is part of the NSW Government’s $38 million Pathways to Prevention: NSW Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 2024-2028 to stop violence before it starts.
Recipients were announced at Blackmore Oval, Leichardt where Minister for Sport Steve Kamper and Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison joined by NRL Legend Brad Fittler Our Watch Chief Executive Officer Patty Kinnersly and players from Leichardt Wanderers to celebrate the ARLC’s receipt of $449,000 to deliver its Game on for Respect Program.
Game on for Respect aims to create respectful cultures and prevent gender-based violence across rugby league through online primary prevention modules, practical club implementation tools, live webinars, an NRL policy review and staff awareness training.
The Minns Labor Government is addressing domestic, family and sexual violence from all angles, from crisis response and strengthening protections for victim-survivors, to early intervention and primary prevention.
Today’s announcement follows the Minns Labor Government’s landmark $184.1 million investment in the 2026-27 State Budget which will increase funding by 50 per cent for frontline specialist domestic and family violence programs – the largest across-the-board investment in the sector in decades.
For further information on the Game on for Change Grant Program and the list of recipients visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“Sport shapes culture, that’s exactly why we’re investing in it.
“The Minns Labor Government and sporting organisations across NSW are sending an unmistakable message: there is no place for domestic, family or sexual violence in our communities.
“Through Game on for Change, we’re putting sport to work, shifting attitudes, driving cultural change, and building a NSW where women and children are safe.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
“The Game on for Change Program is an important initiative of our primary prevention strategy to address the drivers of violence against women where people play and socialise.
“We know that sports plays an important part in many people’s lives, so we’re harnessing its influence to help change attitudes and behaviours that tolerate gender-based violence.
“The Minns Government is working hard to address domestic, family and sexual violence through primary prevention initiatives like this, so that we can build a safer state for women and children.”
NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin and Chair of the Multi-Sport Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence said:
“Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, foster a sense of community, and shape attitudes and values. This means that sporting organisations can have a significant influence on community perceptions and behaviour relating to domestic, family and sexual violence.
“The Game on For Change grants program will empower NSW sporting organisations to deliver local, community-led initiatives to help prevent domestic, family and sexual violence. This will help build a safer, more respectful future for everyone.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said:
“This funding will enable the NRL to significantly expand the reach of the work we are currently doing in this area, particularly through the Voice Against Violence program.
“We will continue to deliver relatable and accessible educational materials to community clubs across NSW that reinforces the importance of respectful relationships.”
Our Watch Chief Executive Officer Patty Kinnersly said:
“We know that gender-based violence is preventable, and that prevention starts by addressing the attitudes, structures and inequalities that drive it.
“Sporting clubs and organisations are one of the key places where people learn what respect, leadership and equality look like. When sport actively promotes gender equality and respectful cultures, it can help stop violence before it starts.
“These grants will support practical action across NSW to strengthen the conditions that help women and girls feel safe, valued and respected, in sport and beyond.”
