Round 7 of the GOTAFE Goulburn Valley League is the inaugural Say No to Violence
Round.
Last year, the League was the successful recipient of a funding grant of $147,000. The
funding is from the Dhelk Dja Preventing the Cycle of Violence – Strengthening Families
Fund and offers an expansion of the Cultural Sporting Prevention Project implemented in the
KDL, who will again acknowledge the Round this weekend in their matches.
The project is being led by GOTAFE’s Koorie Unit Coordinator Tracy Hardie and will run in
partnership with the GVL and AFL Goulburn Murray. This is a whole of league initiative, with
all 12 member clubs participating.
This round signifies a whole of League response to stamp out family violence in our
communities. The Say No to Violence Rounds have been promoting anti-violence messages
throughout our communities for the past eleven years. Along with the KDL.
GV Board Chair Jacqui Hudgson said, “We are proud to partner with project lead Tracy
Hardie and our Major Naming Rights Partner GOTAFE to deliver this project to our clubs.
The opportunity to promote the key messaging around Saying No to Violence is incredibly
powerful. We look forward to ensuring the success of the project in 2023 and beyond.”
Project Lead Tracy Hardie said, “Sporting clubs are the grass roots of our communities, this
round signifies a whole of league response to stamp out violence, together we must all lead
by example and pave the way for a brighter, happier, and safer future for all. Senior Football,
Netball players are leaders in their communities, peers who are admired for who they are, as
leaders, they are leading the way for our future generations, and I am so grateful for their
participation”.
All games played this weekend will see Senior football players and A grade netball players,
as leaders within their clubs, will take part in line ups as their commitment to assist with
getting this important message out. During the line-up, players will be read an inspiring
player address to ensure consistent community messaging. A message from AFL Goulburn
Murrays domestic violence campaign will also play, after which players will shake hands as
their commitment. A few powerful minutes is all it takes.
Our feature match and Family Fun Day will be hosted by Rochester Football Netball Club
who will play Mansfield Football Netball Club. There are plenty of exciting activities &
initiatives planned throughout the day. These include:
The support groups being represented on the day are:
• Mind Australia
• Centre for Non-Violence
• Beyond Blue
• Arc Justice
• Campaspe Shire
• GOTAFE
• Vic Legal Aid – Disaster recovery team
• Life Without Barriers and other services
Activities for the kids:
• Sausage sizzle
• Laser Tag
• Car Slide
• Rock Climbing
• Bucking Bull
• Air Brush Tattooing
• Velcro Kick
• Popcorn
• Slushies
• Fair Floss
• Goodie bags
• Face painting
GVL Operations Manager Kyle Povah said, “The message will be very clear, there is no
place for domestic violence in our communities. Its fantastic that we can all come together as
one to create one voice that says No to Violence.” Together let’s lead by example and pave the way for a brighter, happier and safer future for everyone.
For the latest news from the GVL please visit our website www.gvleague.com.au or follow us
on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Media Contact: Jo Spencer, Head of Operations, AFL Goulburn Murray, 0459 636 762,
jo.spencer@afl.com.a