There are times for talk and there’s time for action. The Kurri Kurri Bulldogs have decided it’s time for action on domestic violence.
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In the process the Coalfields rugby league club is staking its reputation against the task of carrying the Tackling Violence message to the community.
Senior players such as halfback Ryan Walker and club captain Ben Edwards, young up-and-comers including Lachlan Hill and Kurri Kurri High School vice-captain Reid Alchim – all delivered a firm no to violence, in particular domestic violence.
The players were joined by NRL Players Association president and White Ribbon ambassador Clint Newton in taking the message to students at Kurri Kurri High School.
The response from students who quizzed and listened intently to Newton after a series of workshops showed encouraging signs that the Tackling Violence message would take root.
Under the sponsorship agreement between the NSW government’s Tackling Violence scheme and the Bulldogs, players agree not to engage in domestic violence. The penalties for domestic violence or a breach of an Apprehended Violence Order are:
• First offence – two game suspension;
• Second offence – four-game suspension and participation in mandatory counselling sessions with a qualified psychologist or counsellor or similar program; and
• Third offence – deregistration for a period of 12 months.
Walker and his teammates were happy to make the commitment and delighted with their interaction with the students.
“I was a little unsure how I would go talking to the kids about such an important issue, especially as many have probably not been exposed to domestic violence in any way,” Walker admitted.
“But by using examples they could relate to, we really started to learn a lot about the issue and the importance of being there for your friends when they are need and helping them out of trouble.”
In the rugby league-mad Coalfields, the Bulldogs’ stand is a tangible and meaningful statement that domestic violence is not acceptable.
Congratulations to club secretary Jeff Polglase and the Tackling Violence organisers for taking this important step in developing a co-ordinated and meaningful local approach to tackling domestic violence head-on.