Netball Australia will play a key role in the prevention of violence against women by delivering education programs to young netballers.
The Minister for the Status of Women, Julie Collins MP, announced on Wednesday that Netball Australia would receive $250,000 over three years as a part of the Australian Government's partnership with sporting organisations.
"As Australia's largest participation sport for girls and young women, netball is in a unique position to deliver the message," Ms Collins said.
"Netball Australia has already done so much in the community to raise the profile of violence against women and they deserve our thanks and help."
The funding will see Netball Australia deliver the educational programs across three levels, beginning with the Expect Respect Education module aimed at young people aged 12-14 in the National Regional Academy Network Program and 16-21 year olds at the 21/U, 19/U & 17/U National Netball Championships.
A social marketing and peer education program will be delivered through Netball Australia’s partnership with the David Wirrpanda Foundation to indigenous school-aged girls and a “NO to Violence” module will be developed for the Foundation and Development Coaching Courses.
The programs, expected to reach over 6,000 girls, will work with young women and Indigenous girls to educate them on respectful relationship and the impacts of domestic violence, as well as working with netball coaches around the country.
“We are delighted that this announcement is being made on the eve of International Women’s Day given netball is the largest female community based sport in the world, with more than 70 nations playing and over 21 million participants world-wide,” Netball Australia President Noeleen Dix said.
“Netball is more than a game – we lead social change, strengthen and build capacity in communities and empower women and girls.
“I’m delighted that the Gillard Government has chosen to partner with netball to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that allow violence to occur.
“The netball community is saying a very loud “no” to violence.”
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, as a part of the $86 million National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.
For more information on Netball in SA, visit www.netball.asn.au
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