Wangaratta's Centre Against Violence (CAV) has commenced filming a powerful new video campaign to support the Tackling Consent program for the 2026 season.

Players from the Zappo’s - St Patricks Primary School netball team and the Kangaroos junior football team recently volunteered their time and talent to take part in the production.

Their skills and energy will feature in educational pieces that will sit alongside stories from elite AFL and netball athletes, bringing together community and professional voices to talk about respect, consent, and leadership in sport.

The Tackling Consent program is a free, fully funded initiative available to football and netball clubs across North East Victoria.

It provides practical workshops and tailored resources that support players, coaches and club leaders to create safer, more inclusive sporting environments.

Kasi Burge, strategic projects advisor at CAV, said the community’s involvement is what makes the program truly special.

“This program only comes to life when clubs, players, and communities put their hands up to be part of it,” she said.

“To see local players stand proudly in front of the camera, ready to support our work at CAV, shows exactly why Tackling Consent matters.

"It is about young people leading the way and sending a strong message that respect and safety belong at the heart of sport.”

Ms Burge said Tackling Consent is about creating lasting change in community sport.

“This program is not just about talking to young people," she said.

"It is about working with the whole club, with coaches, mentors, committees and players, to make sure equality and inclusion are at the heart of every decision.

"It is a chance for clubs to lead by example and show that respect always wins.”

CAV said Helen Newman from Nomad Films is helping to bring the Tackling Consent story to life on screen.

The project is a partnership between CAV and La Trobe University’s Reducing Gender-Based Violence (ReGEN) Research Group, and is proudly funded through the Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence Project.

Registrations are now open, with limited places available for the 2026 program.

Football and netball clubs across the Ovens Murray region are encouraged to get involved and be part of this important step forward.

For more information or to express your interest, contact Jodie Farrugia, prevention and education facilitator, on 0429 720 433 or email education@cav.org.au.

Learn more at https://centreagainstviolence.org.au/news/tackling-consent-project/.