North Melbourne has thrown its support behind the Tasmanian government’s campaign against domestic violence.
Kangaroos Chairman James Brayshaw said North Melbourne would do whatever it could to support the government’s $25.5milllion Family Violence Action Plan.
Speaking to the media alongside Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman, Brayshaw said the Roos would look to provide support through ambassadorial roles with players and community events on top of the club’s work in the Apple Isle.
North Melbourne is already part of the AFL’s “Our Watch” campaign, which helps raise awareness of the issues around family violence through school programs and also at junior clinics.
“I think it’s a wonderful thing the government is doing, it’s a great thing the AFL is doing, and anything we can do as a footy club to help, we are happy to do so,” Brayshaw said.
“The ‘Our Watch’ program, which has already been launched within the AFL, is addressing this exact thing and it’s very important that it is addressed.
“There are 850 or so footballers on (AFL) lists and a lot of Australian young men look up to those 850 people, so they can lead the charge (on raising awareness).
“It’s obviously abhorrent there is any violence against women or within domestic homes.”
Mr Hodgman thanked the Roos for their support.
“There is already a lot of fantastic community work that is being done and this is about enhancing that,” Mr Hodgman said.
“It’s wonderful to be here with North Melbourne, who share our goal. North Melbourne are also a very active participant in the Tasmanian community... it’s a great opportunity for us to leverage off the fantastic role models that AFL footballers are and start getting more positive, respectful relationships between young boys and women.”
Find out more about the Tasmanian Government’s Safe Homes, Safe Families programs.
