Port Adelaide’s not-for-profit arm, Power Community Limited (PCL), will expand its Empowered program in 2026 following an increase in funding from Credit Union SA.
The additional support will allow the program to reach a further 500 students across ten schools this year.
Empowered provides young women with the tools to understand healthy relationships and develop a strong sense of self, with the curriculum encouraging participants to make informed choices in their lives and their relationships with a greater understanding of the structural impacts of gendered expectations and family violence.
First established in partnership with major partner Centacare Catholic Community Services and the Government of South Australia, Empowered was delivered to more than 1,700 students across 29 schools in 2025, with Credit Union SA’s increased funding set to help the program reach more than 2,000 students in 2026.
Delivered by Port Adelaide Football Club AFLW players and PCL staff, the program continues to deliver strong outcomes, with 97 per cent of students last year reporting a better understanding of gendered based violence, while 94 per cent said they can better recognise the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship.
Power Community Limited General Manager Jake Battifuoco said the club was grateful for Credit Union SA’s ongoing support of the program.
“We’re incredibly grateful for Credit Union SA’s support of our Empowered program, which will directly allow us to expand our reach to a further 500 students this year,” Mr Battifuoco said.
"Young women are capable, ambitious, and deserving of every opportunity to thrive and Empowered is about making sure they have the knowledge and tools to do exactly that.
“By building a strong sense of self and a clear understanding of healthy relationships, we are helping young women navigate the world with confidence. With gendered violence still far too common in our community, programs like this have never been more important.
“With the support of Credit Union SA, we’re on track to reach more than 2,000 students across South Australia this year, and we’re really pleased to continue expanding the program.
“This program would not be possible without the support of our partners, and we’re looking forward to growing it in years to come.”
Credit Union SA’s Chief Experience Offiicer Liana Reinhardt said the organisation is proud its support will allow the program to be extended.
“Extending Credit Union SA's support of the Empowered Program was essential to continuing our commitment to young women across South Australia”, Mrs Reinhardt said.
“We are proud that this support will reach a further 500 young women in our secondary schools, and we thank Power Community Limited for the opportunity to expand this important program.”
While Chief Transformation Officer Karen Beard said tackling the issue of domestic and family violence is of paramount importance.
“Tackling domestic and family violence remains a key focus for our community, so programs like Empowered enable young women to understand what healthy relationships look like and the lasting impact they have on their lives,” Mrs Beard said.
Credit Union SA Limited, ABN 36 087 651 232, AFSL/Australian Credit Licence Number 241066 ("Credit Union SA")
