NSW Government & Central Coast Mariners Address Domestic Violence
September 6, 2024
The New South Wales (NSW) Government and the Central Coast Mariners FC have teamed up to combat domestic and family violence and unemployment in Australia. The Minns Labor Government has committed $1 million to the Club’s ‘Onside with the Mariners’ football program, which will begin rolling out in secondary schools across the Central Coast in early 2025.
According to the Government, nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men in Australia will have experienced violence by an intimate partner or family member by the age of 15.The Central Coast consistently ranks among the highest regions in New South Wales for incidents of domestic and family violence. In the last five years, there has been an 11.9% increase in reported domestic-related assaults there. 1,771 domestic violence-related assaults and 476 sexual assaults were reported in 2023.
In response, the Club launched Onside with the Mariners as a primary prevention initiative to address gender violence and promote respect. Taking a community lead approach to changing cultures and attitudes which can lead to domestic and family violence, the program will use football to foster discussions about healthy relationships, respect and conflict resolution among students.
“Onside With the Mariners is more than just a football clinic; it’s a commitment to our community. As a club, we’ve always believed in the power of football to bring about positive change. This initiative allows us to use football to address serious social issues and help shape a future where respect and equality are at the core of our relationships,” said Central Coast Mariners Sporting Director, Matt Simon.
“As a Government, we are committed to addressing the devastating impact of domestic and family violence across the state, but we know we can’t do it alone. Programs like this make a real difference in young people’s lives and in the community as a whole. I’m grateful to the Mariners for stepping up and taking on this leadership role for young people in the community, as we work to create a safer New South Wales,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns.
Activities will include sports-based workshops – mainly football – peer mentorship and relaxed-environment learning, all designed to build a safer and more empowered Central Coast community. These initiatives intend to empower students to become advocates for respectful relationships within their schools and communities.
The program will operates in three stages:
- Mariners A-League Football Skills Sessions: football skills sessions focusing on participation while initiating conversations around domestic violence and employment.
- Tailored Domestic and Family Violence Education Program: following the skills sessions, a custom education curriculum will be delivered through in-school sessions, focusing on domestic violence, employment opportunities and vocational training.
- Follow-Up Sessions: to ensure the sustainability of the program’s impact, these sessions intend to build on the education provided, offering interactive workshops and mentoring opportunities.
The initiative has been co-designed by the Mariners and the NSW Department of Education in partnership with the University of Newcastle. It aligns directly with the Department’s syllabus outcomes, aiming to educate students on the importance of healthy relationships, promote respect and empathy, foster positive behaviors and create safe environments.