DV Awareness Cup Gala Day Expands In 2025
The NSW Police Force is joining forces with community, sporting and government agencies to educate even more school students about domestic and family violence, with the expansion of the DV Awareness Cup in 2025.
The South Coast Police District, along with Group 7 Rugby League, NSW Rugby League and the NRL will host more than 200 students from Year 9 to 11 from the Shoalhaven region, in an under 16s rugby league (men’s) and league tag (women’s) gala day on Thursday 19 June 2025.
The DV Awareness Cup aims to bring awareness to, educate and encourage people to take a stand against domestic and family violence.
Now, in its third year, the event will return to Bomaderry Sporting Fields and expand from five to six local schools – St Johns the Evangelist Nowra will join Nowra High School, Vincentia High School, Shoalhaven High School, Bomaderry High School and Ulladulla High School to compete for the DV Awareness Cup.
During the day, Shoalhaven-based community organisations, including Anglicare, Waminda, Southern Cross Housing and Care South will join NSW Police Domestic Violence Officers (DVOs) and Youth Engagement Officers (YEO) to educate and discuss with students and their families a range of issues, with an aim to break the cycle of domestic and family violence.
Past and present NRL players will be in attendance, with the community encouraged to come along, cheer on the students and access support services.
South Coast Police District Det Chief Inspector Dave Cockram said the event continues to grow in popularity, extending NSW Police reach to educate students, their families and the broader community.
“The event has seen immense success in connecting kids and families with services, who otherwise may not have reached out for assistance. It’s far more than a one day sporting event, in the lead up to the gala day, police officers also attend the participating schools to speak to the students about a range of different issues surrounding family and domestic violence,” Detective Chief Inspector Cockram said.
“We are really appreciative to the organisations who support our event and continue to see this event grow. Sport is a level playing field, and we believe by breaking down those barriers, we can better connect with young people to educate them on the harm associated with family and domestic violence. We believe this event is making a real difference in the South Coast community and breaking that cycle of domestic and family violence.”
A merit-based boys and girls team will be selected at the conclusion of the event, with selected players earning a trip to the St George Illawarra Dragons’ training facility in Wollongong. Their selection is not only based on their sporting prowess but celebrating their sportsmanship, excellent school attendance and positive interactions with peers and teachers.
The event will run from 8.30am until 2.30pm.
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