Equality & Respect in Sports
About
Sport is a significant element of Australian culture that influences our community identity and way of life. Initiatives such as Change Our Game, 1800 Respect, Our Watch, and Sports Victoria have identified sport as a key focus area in the national effort to prevent violence against women.
Within the sporting sector, including clubs, teams, venues, and associated organizations, everyone has a shared responsibility to promote environments where everyone is safe, respected, and valued.
To support your engagement, a comprehensive range of tools and resources has been assembled to help sporting organizations understand the gender related factors contributing to violence against women and to implement effective prevention strategies within the Ovens Murray Region.
Your Role
This introductory video explains the link between gender inequality and violence against women and the role of sport in addressing it. When women and men have equal power, value and opportunities in sport and in society, violence against women is less likely. Watch this three-minute video to learn more.
Guides & Resources
Sport Implementation Guide
Equality & Respect in Sport Standards
Equality & Respect in Sports Diversity and Inclusion Practice Tool
Engaging Sports Leaders
Active Bystander Tipsheet
Tipsheet about Sport Participation
Safe and Inclusive Sport: Preventing Gender-Based Violence Guide
A guide to support gender equity and the prevention of gender-based violence through sport.
Website: Here
More Than a Game: The Power of Local Sport to Prevent Violence Against Women
“How local sports clubs can shape what it means to ‘be a man’, support healthy relationships and level the playing field for everyone” 1800RESPECT
Everyone wins when sports clubs promote positive masculinity. Read more HERE
Equal the Contest Inclusion Workshop
Gender inequality and discrimination still exists for women, gender diverse people, people of colour, faith, age, body shape and ability. Sport is a hub for our communities and creating safe and accessible spaces where all people can thrive is essential to healthy communities. Equal the Contest has been opening up conversations across Australian and the world as a feature film, but this new abridged version and workshop will allow those conversations to be had in time poor, volunteer run community sports spaces.
Read more HERE
Change Our Game
The Office for Women in Sport and Recreation (OWSR) is a pioneering initiative by the Victorian Government aimed at promoting gender equality in sports and recreation across Australia. Their campaign, “Change Our Game,” is a call to action to increase the involvement of women and girls at all levels, from grassroots participation to senior leadership roles.
OWSR’s efforts are focused on three main areas:
- Participation: Encouraging women and girls to play all sports.
- Leadership: Increasing the presence of women in the administration and governance of sports.
- Visibility: Enhancing the representation of women as athletes, coaches, officials, and in the media.
By creating more opportunities in these areas, OWSR aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable sports environment for everyone.
More information and resources HERE
The Power of Community Sport to Prevent Gender Based Violence Webinar
How sport can help Change the story
Team in Ovens Murray? Need support? Tackling Consent Program 2026
As part of a shared commitment to prevention and fostering a respectful culture in sport, the Tackling Consent program is being introduced – a free, fully funded education initiative delivered in partnership with local footy and netball clubs.
This joint project, led by Centre Against Violence and La Trobe University, supports young players and their mentors through engaging workshops focused on consent, respect, and leadership. The program is endorsed by former AFL premiership player Ben Brown, who shares powerful personal stories that make the program’s messages relatable, memorable, and real.
Participating clubs will gain practical tools, tailored resources, and support to build a stronger culture of inclusion and safety.
Registrations are now open for clubs to run the program throughout the 2026 season.
For more information, visit the link above or contact the Prevention & Education team at Centre Against Violence: jfarrugia@cav.org.au
Community of Practice
This community of practice aims to create a collaborative community for those working within the professional sport sector. Sports professionals can share knowledge, ideas, and challenges to enhance their understanding and practices related to preventing violence against women and promoting gender equality in sports.
Funding
Grants and funding to support sport and recreation in Victoria from local community clubs to the elite level.