Clubs Invited to Participate in DV Awareness Initiative

This year, the country has been rocked by the increased prevalence of domestic violence attacks, many of which have sadly had fatal consequences.

The NSW club industry has made the issue an important area of focus, with the aim of reducing the scourge and helping those impacted.

Mounties has implemented a program that trains every single staff member across its 10 venues to look out for warning signs and provide help to those identified, and other clubs — including Wests Group Macarthur and Campbelltown Catholic Club — have supported charities doing vital work in this space, such as Escabags; which provides essential items for those fleeing domestic violence.

On the North Coast, Ballina’s Cherry Street Sports Club has been at the forefront of Purple Friday, encouraging local businesses to wear purple shirts and spread the message that the town says ‘no’ to cowardly acts of domestic violence.

The Club was honoured with a 2024 Clubs & Community Award in the Social Inclusion category for the work they have done in rolling out Purple Friday.

Now, the Club’s CEO Tere Sheehan is inviting other NSW clubs to jump on board the campaign, with shirts available to purchase online, made to order with any club’s logo.

“All you need to do is upload your logo and they will be made specifically for your club,” says Tere.

“All profits from the sale of the shirts will go to NAPCAN’s Love Bites Program, which teaches respectful relationships in the education system.”

Tere believes clubs work best when they collectively come together to affect change, and now is the time to act.

“I think if any industry can make a change, it’s our industry, with 5000 clubs Australia-wide and millions of members,” he says.

“If we can be collaborative and take a stance, I think our industry can really make a change and stamp this out forever.”

Any club wishing to roll out the Purple Friday initiative can order the shirts by clicking here.