‘It takes a village’: New Coffs event aims to change the game on DV awareness

It’s about much more than just point scoring. Here’s everything you need to know about Coffs Harbour’s vital new community event.

Coffs Harbour's emergency service workers will battle out on the basketball court in the inaugural Ball Against Domestic Violence event on July 3.

Coffs Harbour’s police and emergency service workers are set to battle it out on the basketball court – but the objective runs deeper than just point scoring.

“As a sergeant of police I see it far too commonly, the persistent victim-blaming attitudes in society when it comes to the issue of domestic violence,” local police officer and Coffs Harbour Basketball Association President Bob White said.

He is one of the players that will be taking part in the inaugural Coffs Coast event, dubbed Ball Against Domestic Violence.

In 2020, there were 527 domestic violence related assaults reported to police in Coffs Harbour. This was a rise of 19.2 per cent compared to 2019, according to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

“Campaigns need to go beyond communicating what constitutes domestic violence in intimate relationships and where to get help. They need to explain how and why this type of violence can affect anyone,” Mr White said.

Coffs Harbour Basketball Association President Bob White, who is also a local police officer, will be playing in the Ball Against Domestic Violence event in July.

“And they need to illustrate how perpetrators control their victims and manipulate those around them.”

Basketball Against Domestic Violence, set to take place on July 3, is the brainchild of three North Coast residents who have been united both by their love of basketball, and their passion for the cause.

North Coast Basketball coach Robert Linton, NSW Police’s Region Domestic Violence Coordinator Kiah Bowen and Uniting’s Cass Wilson have organised the new event, which also aims to celebrate the hard work of our emergency workers in recent, trying times.

Robert Linton, North Coast Basketball coach, is one of the organisers of the event. Pic: Tim Marsden

“DFV is not just a private matter – it takes a village,” Uniting’s Cass Wilson said.

“I have seen first-hand how tough the last two years have been for these first responders with fires, floods and COVID-19 challenges, so to be able to bring them together for a fun and action packed day, I feel it’s a way to thank them for all the hard work they have done for our communities,” Ms Wilson said.

But the charity day, which will see all proceeds go towards Warrina Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services, is not just for emergency service workers.

There are several divisions and organisers are calling on teams from local schools and businesses to register for the tournament.

“We would love to see as many teams enter as possible to support the cause,” Mr Linton said.

Everything you need to know about the event

There is an Open Division with $500 prize money, and anyone turning 15 this year and over is able to enter. There are also junior sections including Under 12’s, Under 14’s and Under 16’s.

The Emergency Services Division will have on offer $500 prize money, and three out of four team members must be from the same service/agency. Following this will be a wheelchair exhibition match.

Mr Linton said the games will be 3x3 basketball – a faster version of the regular basketball style format.

“The game is played on one half of a basketball court and teams consist of four players,” he explained.

Ball Against Domestic Violence will be a 3x3 Hustle event.

Each team has one sub and does not have a coach. The point scoring is also different, with three point shots worth two points, and two point shots worth one – making three pointers very valuable point scoring option. The games will go for ten minutes, or the first team to 21 wins.

On the day will be a barbecue lunch and sports raffle with prizes including a signed Sydney Kings jersey and a signed Brad Fittler origin jersey.

There will be a police bus and ambulance out front with information and officers around to chat to, and the canteen will be open all day for coffee and snacks. The day will end with a presentation and afterparty at the Hoey Moey, one of several sponsors of the event.

The main event will take place at Sportz Central on July 3, from 9am-7pm, with a gold coin donation entry. The after-party will begin at 8pm.

Register your team here.