The club is excited to announce that the upcoming 2025/26 summer season will be focused on a season long partnership with ‘NO MORE’ in a bid to raise awareness, change behaviours and drive change when it comes to preventing Domestic and Family Violence (DFV). Titled ‘A Season of Change’, the Big Cats will focus on starting important conversations and highlighting what is critical societal issue in a bid to spark change.
In communities across Australia, the call to end domestic and family violence is growing louder, and this season the Springvale Lions Baseball Club are stepping up to the plate.
The ‘Season of Change’ is more than a slogan. It’s a commitment to action, awareness, and accountability.
Why “NO MORE”?
The NO MORE Campaign, founded by Charlie King OAM, is built on the belief that violence, especially family violence, has no place in our homes, communities, or sporting clubs. It encourages men to take the lead in changing the conversation, shifting from silence to action, and from bystanders to allies.
As the NO MORE website states:
“We believe that violence against women and children is a men’s issue. It’s time for men to stand up, speak out, and take responsibility for creating safe and respectful communities.”
It is for this very reason that the partnership with NO MORE this coming season will be led primarily by our men’s program, with support from across every area of the club.
Violence Prevention Manager for NO MORE, Narelle Gosstray, had this to say when asked about the announcement.
“It’s fantastic to see the Springvale Lions Baseball Club stepping up as leaders among sporting clubs with a genuine commitment to action. This campaign stands out because it brings the whole club together—players, coaches, supporters and families—each playing a role. While the men are delivering the messages, they do so with the full support and involvement of everyone in the club. This united approach is what makes their stand so powerful. We’re proud to partner with Springvale as they set a new standard for what it means to be a sporting club that truly cares about its community.”
A Club-Wide Commitment
The campaign will include:
- Orange NO MORE patches worn on men’s players’ uniforms to spark conversations and raise awareness.
- A launch event at the Waltzing Matilda Hotel, bringing together community leaders and supporters to shine a light on the campaign, and awareness of DFV.
- A club domestic violence action plan will be developed in collaboration with NO MORE, ensuring a lasting commitment to safe environments.
“Men play an important role as allies, and at our club, that’s always been the standard,” said Simone Wearne, Big Cats Life Member. “People often learn attitudes and behaviours through their involvement in community sporting environments, and with that being said there is great power here for our Springy community to influence social norms and make meaningful change.”
Beyond the Field
The campaign also includes educational elements like the “Calling In vs. Calling Out” approach, encouraging constructive conversations rather than confrontation. Players and supporters are encouraged to:
- Speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
- Challenge disrespectful or harmful language.
- Support those affected by violence with empathy and care.
The club will also highlight what positive, respectful relationships look like on and off the field. These include honesty, trust, support, and mutual respect.
Standing Together
This initiative is not just about one club, rather it is about setting a standard for all sporting communities. By wearing orange patches all season on our Lions uniform, engaging in open conversations, and modelling respectful behavior, the Big Cats are showing what leadership looks like.
Current Treasurer and Life Member Mick Wearne spoke of the importance of the club supporting such an important societal issue. “As a club who is striving to contribute positively to our community not only on the field but also off it, the opportunity to get behind NO MORE next season is one we are excited about. Particularly for our men’s program. Gender equity has never been something we’ve had to think about, it’s just a given. The chance to further raise awareness and help change men’s behaviours and attitudes towards women, we don’t underestimate the importance of this beyond just our own baseball club.”
Support the Initiative
This season, the Springvale Lions invite you to be part of the change. Whether you’re a player, parent, supporter, or community member, your voice matters. More to come.
Learn more about NO MORE via their website: https://www.nomore.org.au/about-cause