The Victorian Government has defunded the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation (OWSR), - including the Change Our Game initiative - and slashed violence prevention programs in sport. These programs were crucial in making sport safer and more inclusive for women and girls. Without them, gender-based violence and sexism in sport will increase - driving women out of the game. 

Change Our Game was a landmark initiative under OWSR that provided resources, training, and leadership pathways for women in sport - and supported clubs and organisations to change cultures and structures that excluded women.

Now it’s gone. In the middle of a national gender-based violence crisis.

Already this year, 31 women have been killed by violence. Last year, it was 103. These cuts don’t just remove programs - they remove safety, support, and hope.

This weekend (May 30 – June 1), clubs across Victoria will wear two red armbands in protest - one to stand against the cuts and defunding, and one to honour the 29 women who have been killed this year due to gender-based violence.

We call on the Victorian Government to:

• Reinstate the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation
• Restore violence prevention programs in sport
• Commit to a long-term strategy to make sport safe, equal, and accessible for women and gender diverse people.

How you can help:

1. Sign and share this petition
Help us show the Victorian Government that communities across the state - and beyond - are watching, speaking up, and demanding change.

2. Join the red armband protest: May 30 – June 1
Athletes and clubs across Victoria will wear two red armbands this weekend:

• One to protest the defunding of safety and equity in sport
• One to honour the 31 women who have been killed by gender-based violence in 2025.

Before the game, take a photo of your team wearing red armbands in solidarity. Share it on social media with:
#WearItRed #RedForOurGame #NotAllClubs
Tag @notallclubs

Clubs in other states are invited to join in solidarity by wearing armbands during this weekend’s matches as well.

3. Email your local MP
We’ve written a letter template for you - it takes two minutes. Email your MP using this letter template. Find your MP here: Local MP

We refuse to go backwards.
We refuse to be silenced.
We refuse to stay quiet while safety is defunded.

Wear Red For Our Game.