Gippsland sports clubs are continuing to step up and say no to gender-based violence by participating in Orange Round.
Since launching in 2015, more than 50 Orange Rounds have been hosted by 35 Gippsland clubs as a stand against family violence and a showcase of gender equality in sport.
Inaugural Orange Round partner, Gippsland League, has once again committed to hosting Orange Round this season, dedicating all Round 10 football and netball matches to the initiative.
Wonthaggi Power will take on Maffra in the feature match of the round at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve on June 17, with players, coaches, and officials participating in an education session for practical ideas on what their club can do to show it is inclusive and welcoming and values gender equality.
Senior footballers and A Grade netballers at all five Round 10 matchday venues across the Gippsland League will wear orange arm bands in solidarity with the shared cause of preventing violence against women, with supporters also encouraged to wear orange on the day.
Orange Rounds are a partnership between GippSport, Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault and Gippsland Women’s Health. The three organisations are working with partners across Gippsland towards a Gippsland free of family violence.
Expressions of Interest for winter Orange Round are still open and can be submitted via https://tinyurl.com/OrangeRoundEOI. Hockey, netball, soccer, tennis and Australian rules football clubs have signed up to host an event between July 15-30, with volleyball, golf, lawn bowls, and other diverse sporting codes encouraged to get on board.
Representatives from participating clubs will attend an online information session on Wednesday, June 21 to prepare them for hosting an Orange Round. Topics include, what to expect when hosting an Orange Round, the connection between gender inequality and family violence and answers to frequently asked questions. Register for the 7:00-7:30 pm session at https://tinyurl.com/OrangeRoundOnline
For more information about Orange Round, email GippSport Gender Equity Project Officer Kathleen Denny at kathleen@gippsport.com.au
If you need help:
In an emergency call 000.
Safe Steps on 1800 015 188.
Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault on 1800 806 292 or 5134 3922