Police Chief Backs Clubs on Domestic Violence Response

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has singled out clubs for the critical work they are playing on the frontline of one of the state’s most serious challenges.

“It takes all of community to come together — you are the face of community,” he told more than 950 people at the Clubs & Community Awards night at ICC Sydney last night.

“On behalf of the NSW Police Force, congratulations and thank you for your partnership with police.”

His comments came during a night that shone a spotlight on the industry’s growing response to domestic and family violence, including the state-wide rollout of Purple Friday which saw more than 200 clubs across 70 local government areas turn purple on Friday, 8 May.

Mr Lanyon said police respond to around 160,000 domestic and family violence incidents each year — the equivalent of one every three minutes.

He praised registered clubs for the pivotal role they are playing in addressing what he described as “the greatest challenge we have for society in NSW”.

“Thank you for the outstanding work you do to support victims and to raise awareness within communities,” he said.

“I congratulate you all for the work that you are doing in that field.”

The Commissioner’s comments were echoed by NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris who used his Clubs & Community Awards address to reinforce the growing impact of the club industry’s response.

“Domestic violence as the Police Commissioner said is a scourge on our society and our club movement has stepped up,” said Mr Harris.

“I know and I have seen the growth of that fantastic program, Purple Friday… it will make a difference.

“It’s about educating our community that violence is wrong and it’s not ok, and if the club movement gets behind this then the community knows it’s important.”

Across the night, clubs were acknowledged for the tangible action being taken to support those affected, with initiatives ranging from crisis accommodation to community awareness programs.

Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club took out the Social Inclusion category for their work providing club-owned property as transitional housing for women escaping domestic and family violence. 

Club Maitland City and North Ryde RSL were highly commended for their investment in crisis accommodation, prevention and long-term recovery.

The full list of the 2026 Clubs & Community Awards winners and highly commended clubs can be found here.