An initiative of the AFP and Essendon, the Unity Cup is a round-robin AFL competition designed to unite Melbourne’s culturally diverse communities and consolidate a trusted relationship with law enforcement.
This year’s Unity Cup promises to be bigger and better, with the additional support of the North Melbourne Football Club. Kangaroos Chief Executive Officer Eugene Arocca said the club was excited about the new partnership.
“It is an extremely worthwhile community initiative, particularly in our club’s traditional heartland in the North and West of Melbourne,” Mr Arocca said.
“Our participation demonstrates North Melbourne’s strong commitment to social
cohesion and community capacity building, which we are driving through our programs at the club’s Learning and Life Centre.”
AFP National Manager for Counter Terrorism, Steve Lancaster, said the Unity Cup had become a fun and successful way for law enforcement to interact with the community.
“The AFP’s Community Liaison Teams provide opportunities for the AFP and culturally diverse communities to engage on formal and informal levels,” Assistant Commissioner Lancaster said.
“The Unity Cup is about fostering mutual understanding and respect, highlighting positive ways in which police and the community work together.”
Players from the Bombers, Roos, the AFP and Victoria Police will combine into teams represented by the Islamic Information Services Network of Australasia (IISNA), the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV), Newport Islamic Society and Flemington Eritrean Community.
The Unity Cup will be held at Essendon’s Windy Hill, where Bombers and Kangaroos players will be available to sign autographs and conduct Auskick junior clinics. Other highlights will include AFP demonstrations, a free sausage sizzle and kids activities such as jumping castles and face painting.
