Community sporting bodies in Wyndham have joined forces to boost safety at Eagle Stadium and improve relationships between local players and police.
On 19 November, the Wyndham Basketball Association (WBA), WynActive, Wyndham Netball Association (WNA), Wyndham council, and Victoria Police announced they will form a Community Safety Group.
The group will collaborate to normalise the presence of police around Eagle Stadium and other community sporting facilities such as AquaPulse and to humanise authority figures.
WBA general manager Jason Kelly said his organisation put forth the idea hoping it could help the association’s large number of junior players feel more comfortable around police.
“Now unfortunately, it doesn’t matter if you are walking down the street or at the Plaza and see police, people always think what has gone wrong?” Mr Kelly said.
“The other part of that is that the police are seen as an authoritarian presence and that is an us against them mentality.
“By bringing together key stakeholders—from local sport to local government and Victoria Police—we’re sending a strong message that sport in Wyndham is a safe and supportive space.”
Mr Kelly said the us and them mentality can be prevalent in sport among players and referees, and that all involved hope this partnership will create a positive that reverberates.
“We want people to see we are all human, because we are all part of one race that is the human race, and we are all one community.”
He said tragic incidents in the western suburbs — such as the alleged September murders of 15-year-old Dau Akueng and a 12-year-old while they were returning from basketball training in Cobblebank — served as a wake up call about the need for a united approach on safety.
“I think it scared the community full stop, not just the sports and recreational sphere, but schools and families as well.”
A key part of this initiative will be a Basketball Netball Challenge that will take place in coming months.
Members of Wyndham Basketball and Netball will compete in friendly matches against Victoria Police teams, to help build relationships between police and community members.
WBA secretary and vice president of the Good News Power Basketball Club Sarah Sherwood said the friendly games will be the perfect opportunity to begin challenging the us and them mentality.
“Transitioning beyond the dichotomy between authority and non-authority presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen the whole community,” Ms Sherwood said.
“It is integral that through building mutual respect and trust, we can see one another as more than a badge or whistle, but as humans, all ultimately seeking the same things – social connections, purpose and the enjoyment that comes from doing the things we love.”
She also said sport was a natural choice to use as a vehicle for building positive social change in Wyndham.
“Sport is a beacon of purpose, belonging, and engagement. It truly unites us in the spirit of working towards a common goal, building relationships together, and fostering mutual respect across diverse backgrounds,” Ms Sherwood said.
“Through teamwork, shared experiences, and the joy of participation, sport helps break down barriers, encourages collaboration, and strengthens the sense of connection that forms the foundation of a strong, inclusive community.
“It is anticipated that through continuing to build relationships, facilitating understanding and opportunities for positive engagement, our entire community will prosper.”
Further community outreach will be supported by Wyndham council’s Youth Services team, including visits from the Wyndham Street Surfer Bus—a mobile youth hub providing resources, information and engagement opportunities for young people across the municipality.
