Standing in the South Bendigo Football Netball Club social rooms, a former AFL player called on the region’s clubs and fire brigades to take up a challenge: 

To partake in a program promoting gender equality and preventing violence against women.

It’s a cause Sydney Swans 2005 premiership player Luke Ablett told attendees he was passionate about.

Given the influence of football netball clubs and Country Fire Authority brigades in regional communities, organisers and supporters were confident of the program’s potential.

“It’s about creating champions of change,” said Paul Hamilton, of AFL Victoria.  

If a problem was affecting the community at large, he said it would also be affecting club members.

“A lot of us would like to be able to make a difference, but maybe don’t know what to do,” Mr Hamilton said. 

Rural Challenge participants will undertake a series of workshops addressing issues such as gender inequality and rigid gender stereotypes – key factors driving domestic and family violence.

They will then be asked to provide feedback and ideas about the state of play in their clubs and brigades, and how it could be improved.

The program concludes with two action planning workshops and a celebratory dinner. 

Macedon Ranges Shire Council, the City of Greater Bendigo, CFA District 2, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, AFL Central Victoria, AFL Goldfields, Sports Focus and the Centre for Non-Violence are among the organisations involved in the initiative.

Workshops begin next month, and expressions of interest close on March 8.

Sharing his insights into challenging family violence, at Wednesday night’s meeting, was Steve Henwood of Doveton Football Netball Club.

A friend’s suggestion that the club get involved in the White Ribbon campaign led to a focus on family violence prevention. From guest speakers to dedicated matches, the club’s commitment to ending violence against women is evident from a quick glance at its jumper. 

He warned that participants might cop some flack, and might be confronted by what they learned. But he appealed to the attendees to get involved. 

The Rural Challenge is funded by the Municipal Association of Victoria’s Local Government Preventing Violence Against Women Grants Program.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council mayor Jennifer Anderson said the project would bring many benefits to local clubs and CFA brigades. 

“It’s a chance for leaders in our community to take a stand on an important social issue, while making their club or brigade more female and family-friendly,” she said.

“Community organisations that promote and foster a culture of equality are more likely to attract members and volunteers.”

To learn more, or to apply, email Jessica Crofts at Macedon Ranges Shire Council at jcrofts@mrsc.vic.gov.au or call 5422 0217.