Club launches national campaign against domestic violence

CHERRY Street Sports Club has helped launch a national campaign against domestic and family violence, with a 12-month action plan now being rolled out through bowling and RSL clubs across Australia.

The initiative was unveiled at the Clubs for Community United Against Violence gala night in Sydney, with representatives from Cherry Street and Ballina RSL Club attending. The campaign is being led by ClubsNSW and supported by a growing number of regional clubs and community groups.

Ballina domestic violence advocate Lisa Lowe appeared in a promotional video that launched the plan, which includes staff training, educational resources and outreach programs.

“There is so much need for it here and what Cherry Street is doing is the best work I’ve seen in 30 years,” Ms Lowe said.

“It was very intimidating seeing it up on the big screen at the gala night, but I really want my story heard, especially when it’s going to help so many other people.

“I was honoured they took me and there’s a chance we can extend these initiatives into every club in Australia.”

Ms Lowe started the Fabulous Friends in Their 50s group in Ballina as a way to meet new people, but it soon became a point of connection for people experiencing or concerned about domestic violence.

The group meets regularly at the bowling club, which has supported the initiative from the start.

“I’ve had a lot of people private message me and reach out for support from that group,” Ms Lowe said.

“It wasn’t designed for that, it was more of a social group, but it shows you how widespread domestic and family violence is.

“Some have been in the situation themselves or others are concerned about friends or someone they know.

“I always say it’s not just physical, it’s emotional, mental and financial abuse as well.”

The 12-month plan includes management and staff training, along with the creation of accessible educational resources, some of which have already been distributed to local schools around Ballina.

Cherry Street and Ballina RSL are promoting the initiative through their Safer Clubs, Stronger Communities campaign, with support from the Rotary Club of Ballina on Richmond and other local organisations.

“Watching it grow over the last two years has been phenomenal,” Ms Lowe said.

“You walk anywhere around Ballina on a Friday and everyone is wearing purple shirts to raise awareness, it’s amazing what they’ve started.

“It wouldn’t have happened without Cherry Street — they had the platform and they’ve used it for something that can help thousands of people.”