Active Bystander Training
Building confidence to recognise, respond and speak up
June 2026
Following An Evening with Matt Brown, DV2650 continued the conversation by offering Active Bystander Training to members of the local community in partnership with Be There Group.
The training gave participants practical tools to recognise harmful attitudes and behaviours, understand when intervention may be appropriate, and respond in ways that are safe, respectful and constructive.
Rather than focusing only on what happens after violence occurs, active bystander training supports prevention by helping everyday people feel more confident to challenge behaviours, comments and situations that can contribute to disrespect, inequality and harm.
From awareness to action
The opportunity was opened to the community following the Matt Brown event, where 13 people requested further information about bystander training. Men as Allies Feedback (2)
A group of local community members subsequently took part in the training with Be There Group, building their knowledge and confidence to take positive action in their workplaces, social circles, sporting groups, families and wider community.
The training explored how bystanders can:
recognise behaviours or attitudes that may contribute to harm
consider when and how to safely intervene
challenge disrespectful behaviour without escalating a situation
support people affected by harmful behaviour
help create environments where respectful relationships are the norm
Creating change across our community
Preventing domestic and family violence requires more than awareness. It requires people across the community to understand the role they can play and feel equipped to act when opportunities arise.
By investing in Active Bystander Training, DV2650 is helping build a network of local people with practical skills they can carry into everyday settings and conversations.
Small actions can influence culture. When more people feel confident to speak up, support others and challenge harmful behaviour, we strengthen the conditions for safer and more respectful communities.
The Men as Allies Project is a 12-month community initiative delivered by Wagga Women's Health Centre through DV:2650, supporting men and boys to play a positive role in preventing domestic and family violence in Wagga Wagga.
The project brings together local leaders, sporting clubs, workplaces, schools and community members to learn, collaborate and take meaningful action. Through training, community events and local partnerships, Men as Allies aims to build the skills, confidence and connections needed to create safer, more respectful communities for everyone.