Students take stand against gender-based violence through sport and storytelling

Around 100 students from nine Barwon-region schools participated in today’s 2025 Barwon Respect Cup as part of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence activities.

Led by the City in partnership with a coalition of local organisations the full-day event brought together year nine students for a friendly mixed netball competition and to learn about the difference between healthy and harmful relationships while empowering students to seek support when needed.

Gender stereotypes affirmative consent and active bystander intervention were also covered during workshops.

Students were also empowered to observe document and celebrate acts of respect inclusion and fair play. Taking on the role of ‘Respect Reporters ’ they captured the day from their unique perspectives highlighting real-life examples of respectful behaviour and learning in action.

As part of this enriching and creative day supported by Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST) the Respect Reporters toured GMHBA Stadium’s media centre with a local sporting journalist. 

The young people created a variety of media including articles reels videos and interviews and were encouraged to use comic strips and illustrations.

A highlights reel showcasing the students’ reports will be displayed on the Geelong Sports Museum’s Community Wall and featured on KPST social media channels.

The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre the Department of Education - Respectful Relationships program Barwon Community Legal Service Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and AFL Barwon are members of the project’s coalition.

St Mary’s Sporting Club Geelong Football Umpires League and Deakin Cats Community Centre kindly donated their spaces to facilitate the respectful relationship workshops.

Councillor Melissa Cadwell

Well done to all the students at today’s 2025 Barwon Respect Cup who committed to promoting gender equity in their schools and helping to create safer more inclusive spaces for all.

They learned how to recognise harmful behaviours speak up and seek support for themselves or someone they know who may be in an unsafe relationship.

Thanks for being open and respectful throughout the day as others shared their experiences and ideas.

The international 16 day-long campaign calls on everyone to work together to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence.

It’s important that we empower people from a young age to take action against gender-based violence and know what is and isn’t acceptable in relationships - that’s how we can make lasting change.