Top Blokes Foundation is proud to be one of 11 organisations selected under the NSW Government’s Primary Prevention Multi-Year Partnerships Grant Program – a major investment to stop domestic, family and sexual violence before it starts.
With $450,000 over three years, Top Blokes will expand its mentoring programs to reach 756 boys aged 10–17 across every primary and high school in the Cessnock region. Through weekly group sessions led by qualified Youth Workers, the program helps boys explore respectful relationships, identity, mental health, consent and healthy masculinity.
Daniel Allars, NSW State Manager at Top Blokes Foundation, said:
“Every community deserves to be safe, inclusive and free from violence. This funding means we can back more young blokes to build empathy, challenge outdated stereotypes, and become the kind of mates, partners and leaders our communities need.”
Local leadership to drive cultural change
Cessnock faces rates of domestic and family violence 1.5 times higher than the NSW average, and sexual assault rates 1.6 times higher. In 2024, 77% of sexual offence victims in the region were under 17.
Top Blokes has worked in the region for over five years and currently partners with 75% of local schools. This funding enables full regional reach helping to deliver a local solution to a local need.
The Hon. Jodie Harrison, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, said:
“Domestic, family and sexual violence is preventable, which is why this government is making a concerted effort to stop violence before it starts.
The Primary Prevention Multi-Year Partnerships Grant Program is a long-term initiative to help local communities challenge the underlying attitudes that can lead to abusive behaviour.
Local organisations know what works in their communities and can help shift the dial on attitudes and behaviours underlying this type of violence.”
NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner, Dr Hannah Tonkin, added:
“Local community organisations can play a crucial role in preventing domestic, family and sexual violence. They’re in a unique position to build trust with community members, respond to local needs and drive lasting change. Meaningful change can only occur when all levels of the Government and community work together to eliminate violence — these grants represent a positive step.”
Evidence-based results
Evaluation data from Top Blokes’ previous Cessnock work shows:
- 90% of boys better understand how to have a healthy relationship
- 88% feel inspired to make better life choices
- 76% report better anger management
- 1 in 2 improve in empathy
One boy shared: “I thought it was weak to cry. Now I know it’s strong to talk about how you feel.”
Prevention starts early, lasts long
Domestic and family violence starts with attitudes, not acts. By engaging boys early, Top Blokes helps shift norms around power, emotion, and respect.
Daniel Allars said:
“We’re not just running workshops. We’re shifting culture and giving young men the tools to lead.”
Aaron O’Driscoll, Regional Coordinator at Top Blokes Foundation, said:
“We’ve worked with boys across Cessnock for years – in schools, in communities, in conversation with their families. They’re growing up in families, schools, friendship groups and social systems that shape how they see themselves and others. When we give boys the right tools — empathy, emotional language, critical thinking — and we involve the adults around them too, that’s when real, lasting change starts to happen.”
Need support?
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
For help with domestic and family violence, contact the NSW DV Line: 1800 65 64 63.
For confidential support: 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.
If you’re concerned about your own behaviour, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
