NSW Police is using the power of sport to raise awareness of domestic and family violence among school students and the community in the St George area, following an expansion of a popular rugby league gala day.
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 St George and the Hunter Region.
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 Todd Park, Blakehurst, today (Thursday 14 May 2026) from 9am and at Lakeside Sports Complex, Raymond Terrace, at 9am on Thursday 4 June 2026.
The events are community-driven rugby league gala days for about 150 15 to 16-year-old students from Blakehurst High School, Bayside High School, Georges River College, Hurstville, Georges River College, Peakhurst, Kingsgrove High School and Kogarah 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.
NRLW St George Illawarra Dragons players Ella Koster and Montaya Hudson will also attend to support the day.
Youth Command and Crime Prevention Commander, Superintendent Phil Hallinan said the Cup aimed to educate and encourage people to take a stand against domestic and family violence.
"The DV Awareness Cup gives families a chance to learn, connect and seek support in a safe and welcoming environment," Superintendent Hallinan said.
"By bringing people together through sport, we can start conversations that might otherwise never happen, in a way that feels familiar and non-threatening. It helps break down barriers and ensures families know where to turn for help.
"By encouraging responsible choices — including respectful behaviour — the DV Awareness Cup reinforces the values that keep families strong and communities safe."
Domestic and Family Violence Commander, Superintendent Danielle Emerton said the initiative was about more than a game of rugby league.
"It's about educating the community, encouraging people to speak up and empowering them to take a stand against domestic and family violence," Superintendent Emerton said.
"The Cup focuses on building healthy relationships, promoting respect and challenging the behaviours that contribute to domestic and family violence. These are messages every community needs to hear.
"We want people to understand that breaking the cycle of violence starts with awareness and early intervention. Events like this help us connect families with the right support services before harm escalates."
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, the St George Illawarra Dragons 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."
NRLW St George Illawarra Dragons players Ella Koster and Montaya Hudson encouraged members of the community to come along, cheer on the students and access support services.
"Rugby league has always been about community, and the DV Awareness Cup gives us a chance to use the game we love to start conversations that really matter," Ms Koster said.
"When young people see players taking a stand, it shows them that respect and safety should be part of every relationship," Ms Hudson said.
"We are proud to support this initiative and it is great to see it has been expanded into the St George area."
