The Minns Labor Government is backing Aboriginal communities to lead local solutions to prevent domestic, family and sexual violence, with up to $625,000 available for Aboriginal-led initiatives that harness the power of sport and active recreation to drive positive change.
The Aboriginal Sport for Respect Grant Program will support culturally grounded, community-led programs that use sport to address the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV), promote respectful relationships and help create safer communities.
Sport plays a powerful role in communities across New South Wales, bringing people together, building strong connections and providing trusted environments where important conversations can take place.
The Minns Labor Government is investing in Aboriginal-led organisations that understand their communities and are best placed to develop programs that are culturally appropriate, locally relevant and capable of creating lasting change.
The Program is open to Aboriginal-led organisations, as well as eligible sport, recreation and local government organisations that can demonstrate strong partnerships with Aboriginal communities.
Successful projects will use sport and active recreation to deliver primary prevention messaging and activities, helping challenge the attitudes and behaviours that can drive violence before it occurs.
The Program forms part of the NSW Government’s $38 million Primary Prevention Strategy 2024–2028 to prevent domestic, family and sexual violence.
Under the Strategy, up to $1 million over two years will be invested to establish, expand and strengthen Aboriginal-led primary prevention initiatives through sport and active recreation, with a particular focus on grassroots communities.
Grants of between $3,000 and $25,000 are available to support projects ranging from local grassroots initiatives through to established programs seeking to expand their reach and impact.
Organisations can submit multiple applications, with total funding capped at $25,000 per organisation.
The Office of Sport has also partnered with Aboriginal-owned cultural awareness agency YarnnUp to provide culturally safe support to organisations throughout the application process.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to working alongside Aboriginal communities and backing local organisations with the knowledge, relationships and experience to deliver meaningful change.
By investing in Aboriginal-led prevention and using the reach of community sport, the Government is helping build stronger, safer and more connected communities across New South Wales.
To find out more and apply, visit Aboriginal Sport for Respect Grant Program.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“Sport can play a key role in challenging norms and influencing behaviour and perceptions.
“The Aboriginal Sport for Respect Grant Program will support Aboriginal-led organisations and communities to address the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence through sport programs.
“Importantly, the Program recognises the leadership, strengths, culture and knowledge within Aboriginal communities to deliver culturally meaningful and effective prevention programs.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“This program leverages the power of sport and cultural knowledge to partner with Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations to address the causes of domestic, family and sexual violence.
“We know the best way to close the gap is by Aboriginal people shaping and driving safer communities for Aboriginal people in partnership with Government and the Aboriginal Sport for Respect Grant Program is an excellent example of this.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
“The Minns Labor Government is working to stop domestic, family and sexual violence before it starts.
“Sport has incredible influence in our communities so the Aboriginal Sport for Respect Grant Program is an important initiative of our primary prevention strategy.
“We want to see fresh ideas from grassroots organisations for Aboriginal-led prevention programs delivered where Aboriginal communities play sport and socialise, to change attitudes and behaviours that tolerate gendered violence, while also promoting healthy relationships and masculinity.
“By empowering Aboriginal-led organisations to deliver community-based sport programs that promote safety, respect and inclusion, we can prevent violence and create a safer state for Aboriginal families.”