Sporting organisations across New South Wales are set to play a larger role in preventing domestic, family and sexual violence, with more than $3 million allocated under the Game on for Change grant program.
Twenty professional clubs, state sporting bodies, community clubs and not for profit organisations will receive grants ranging from $15,000 to $450,000 to deliver sport based initiatives aimed at addressing the gendered drivers of violence and encouraging positive behaviour change.
The program forms part of the NSW Government $38 million Pathways to Prevention strategy 2024 to 2028, which focuses on stopping violence before it occurs through early intervention and education.
The announcement was made at Blackmore Oval in Leichhardt, where Minister for Sport Steve Kamper and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison joined former NRL player Brad Fittler, Our Watch chief executive Patty Kinnersly and local players to mark the Australian Rugby League Commission’s funding allocation of $449,000.
The ARLC will use the funding to expand its Game on for Respect program, which promotes respectful behaviour across rugby league. The initiative includes online learning modules for clubs, practical implementation guides, webinars, policy review work and training for staff.
The approach reflects a broader effort by the NSW Government to address domestic, family and sexual violence across prevention, early intervention, and support services. It comes alongside a $184.1 million investment announced in the 2026 to 2027 State Budget, which will increase funding for frontline specialist services by 50 per cent.
NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin, who also chairs the Multi Sport Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, said sporting organisations are well placed to influence attitudes because of their role in community life.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said the funding would allow the league to extend existing programs such as Voice Against Violence, with a focus on resources for community clubs and education around respectful relationships.
Our Watch chief executive Patty Kinnersly said sport can help shape attitudes around equality and respect, particularly when clubs actively promote safe and inclusive environments for women and girls.
Across the program, funded organisations will tailor initiatives to local communities, with an emphasis on education, club engagement and practical tools designed to shift attitudes over time.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
