The Horsham District and Wimmera football netball leagues, together with the Wimmera Mallee Umpires Association, will once again host the ‘Are You Safe at Home?’ Round on Saturday, standing united to raise awareness and take action against family violence.

The initiative forms part of the broader Are You Safe at Home? Campaign, a Victorian-based program that raises awareness of family violence and promotes access to support services for people experiencing harm, as well as those concerned about someone else’s safety.

Wimmera league chair Bart Turgoose said as a league, their influence extended well beyond the scoreboard.

“Community sport has the power to shape culture, to model respect, call out harmful behaviours, and create environments where everyone feels safe and valued,” he said. 

“Hosting this round is about using that influence to challenge the stigma surrounding family violence.

“By encouraging people to ask a simple question like ‘Are you safe at home?’, we’re helping to open the door to conversations that can make a real difference in someone’s life.”

Players, coaches and umpires will take visible action by wearing armbands, demonstrating solidarity and a shared commitment to creating safer communities.

Women’s Health Grampians chief executive Jennie Courtney said the campaign was especially significant in the local context. 

“It’s great to see such strong leadership from the leagues in this space,” she said. 

“We know it takes a community to prevent violence against women and girls, and we also know the sporting community in the Wimmera is up for the challenge. Asking someone whether they feel safe at home is a small but powerful action anyone can take, and one that could save a life.”

The Are You Safe at Home? Round serves as a reminder that conversations about safety, respect and support can, and should, start within communities.

For more information about the campaign and support services, people can visit www.areyousafeathome.org.au.