NSW Police has expanded its DV Awareness Cup initiative into the Hunter region using rugby league to engage students and the wider community in conversations about domestic and family violence prevention.
In 2023, the South Coast Police District's Crime Prevention Unit established the Domestic Violence Awareness Cup and this year it has expanded to two other locations in the Hunter region and St George area.
The Cup aims to raise awareness and inform students, families, and the broader community about domestic and family violence, while fostering safe avenues for engagement and support.
The Cup will be held at Lakeside Sports Complex, Raymond Terrace, on Thursday 4 June 2026 at 9am.
The events are community-driven rugby league gala days for about 150 students aged 15 and 16 from Callaghan College, Cardiff High School, Francis Greenway High School, Hunter River High School, Mount View High School, and Rutherford Technology High School.
The day - which is supported by the NRL, DrinkWise and the local Liquor Accord - consists of a round-robin style competition for students, with community stalls offering information and resources from support agencies.
Newcastle Knights NRLW player Yasmin Meakes and NRL legend and welfare officer Andrew Ryan will also attend to support the day.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said sport was a powerful platform to bring domestic violence prevention into the open.
"Sport brings people together like little else - it's where we can have honest conversations about respect and healthy relationships, especially with young people watching," Minister Catley said.
"NSW Police is responding to domestic violence at record levels, but just as important is stopping it before it starts - in schools, clubs and communities.
"When young people see police as partners in prevention, not just response, it builds trust and reinforces that violence is never acceptable.
"Domestic violence is no longer hidden in the shadows the way it once was, and it shouldn't be. As a community, we're more willing to name it, confront it and stop it in its tracks. Today, we continue that work."
Northern Region Commander and Corporate Sponsor for Alcohol Related Crime, Assistant Commissioner David Waddell, said the sporting event provided a safe and welcoming environment to bring together young people, community agencies and the police to start conversations about being responsible and seeking help.
"Police are working to educate young people about the repercussions of alcohol use and acts of violence, particularly family violence.
"Education and early intervention can be vital, because being a teenager can often be a difficult time in their development. We want young people to know police are there to help them."
Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Superintendent, Wayne Humphrey, welcomed the DV Awareness Cup being held in Raymond Terrace.
"By using the game of rugby league we are able to give local students information about building healthy relationships and empower them to speak up and take a stand against domestic and family violence," Supt Humphrey said.
"By starting with awareness and early intervention, we are promoting respect and challenging negative behaviours that contribute to violence."
DrinkWise Chief Executive Officer, Simon Strahan, said DrinkWise was proud to support an initiative that used the power of sport to help drive important conversations within local communities.
"The NSW Police DV Awareness Cup is an example of how sport can bring people together while also creating opportunities to educate, connect and support young people and their families," Mr Strahan said.
"We're proud to stand alongside NSW Police and the wider community to support an initiative focused on respect, positive behaviours and strengthening support networks.
"Creating safer communities starts with conversations, education and people coming together, and that's exactly what this event is helping to achieve."
