Stand Up in September 2026

Join us as we launch our Stand Up in September campaign, calling on men across Melbourne to be part of the solution to family violence.

During the month of September, the rate of family violence incidents and reporting increases as a result of football finals. This campaign creates space for important conversations inviting men to stand up, speak out and be part of the conversation about ending men’s violence against women.

Following his impactful contribution as guest speaker last year, Tarang Chawla returns to this year's Stand Up in September event to facilitate a panel discussion exploring how men can use their influence and leadership to drive positive change in their communities.

Enjoy footy favourites, great company, and meaningful connection.

Tickets are now on sale – don’t miss out!

📍 Hotel Collingwood

📅 Thursday 10 September

🕑 5.30 to 8:30PM

🎟️ $165 plus GST per person

Your experience includes: roaming canapes and 3 hour beverage package (sparkling, white wine, red wine, beer, soft drinks).

All proceeds go to You Matter, helping provide essential support to women and children impacted by family violence.

Tarang Chawla is co-founder of Not One More Niki, established in memory of his sister Nikita, who was killed by her partner in 2015. He is one of Australia's leading voices on preventing male violence and advocates for better conversations around manhood, men's mental health and gender equality.

Through his work across community, government and education, Tarang encourages people to engage with these issues in practical, thoughtful and hopeful ways.

Reuben Williams

Meet entrepreneur and advocate, Reuben Williams. Reuben is the founder of SportsGrad, a platform he created after beginning his own dream career at Cricket Australia, helping others build careers in the sporting industry.

But alongside a career that took him behind the scenes of some of Australia’s biggest sporting moments, Reuben experienced something that would profoundly change his life.

While working at Cricket Australia, Reuben was sexually assaulted following a staff function.

His experience of reporting the assault and pursuing justice has led him to speak publicly about sexual violence, the barriers Survivors can encounter when seeking accountability, and the harmful assumptions that continue to surround who society recognises as a Survivor.

In May 2026, Reuben discussed his decision to pursue justice on the Imperfects Podcast and what it felt like in the 24 hours after the assault and why he chose to report it.

Ben McDonald-Watson

Ben McDonald-Watson is a senior retail/property executive and the founder of "Yeah, Man," a community initiative on the Mornington Peninsula focused on improving men's mental health through open conversation.

He is recognised as a social change leader and mental wellness advocate, creating spaces for men to connect.

Phil Cleary

Since the murder of his sister in 1987, VFA Legend Phil Cleary has been at the forefront of the campaign to stop violence against women.

It is widely acknowledged that Phil's books, newspaper articles and media commentary were pivotal in the abolition of provocation laws in Victoria and the change in attitudes.

In 2015 he was appointed to the state government’s Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council, a body charged with overseeing the rollout of the recommendations of Royal Commission into Family Violence.

Phil speaks regularly with community groups, schools, sports clubs, businesses and government bodies on the role they can play in ending violence against women.

Transport Options

• Rideshare or Taxi to Hotel Collingwood, 376 Smith St, Collingwood Vic 3066

• Tram: Hop off at the Hodgson St/Smith St (Stop 18), which is just a one minute walk from the venue.

Parking Options

• Street parking is available in the surrounding area, but is limited and requires checking signage for paid/time restrictions