RUGBY league’s reach and influence in NSW’s communities is huge, which is why Lance Fletcher says it is the sport’s responsibility to speak out against domestic violence.
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Fletcher is the secretary of the Forster Tuncurry Hawks Rugby League Football Club and on November 29 he will join about 50 people from the Hawks league club in the Great Lakes White Ribbon Walk.
“I feel pretty proud the club is getting involved,” Fletcher said.
“We see it as a community responsibility to be involved because of the huge coverage the NRL gets in the state.”
While participating in the walk is one of the events throughout the year the Hawks push its players to attend, Fletcher said domestic violence was an issue that was close to club members anyway.
“Some people close to me have experienced domestic violence,” Fletcher said.
“Community activities like the White Ribbon walk certainly make people more aware of the issue. And hopefully it will help people involved in domestic violence speak up.
“I think a lot of these things don’t come to light because victims are too frightened to speak up.”
While Fletcher expects 300 to 400 people turn up to the walk, he said he hoped 1000 would attend to maximise its impact.
He congratulated the event’s organisers and everyone who was raising awareness.
“If we pack it out, this could be an incredible thing for the cause,” Fletcher said.
Hawks first grade captain Matt Kirkland said he was looking forward to participating in the walk for the first time.
Kirkland will play his third season for the Hawks next year.
Before moving to the Great Lakes he played in Bathurst for 10 years.
“As a member of the Hawks this is an important cause to be involved in, and also for myself personally,” Kirkland said.
While he said he did not know anyone personally who had suffered domestic violence, he understood its prevalence and how fear stopped victims from speaking out about it.
“I’d encourage as many people from the football club and the community to get out and support the White Ribbon walk.”
The Great Lakes White Ribbon Walk is on November 29 at 8am, starting at Lone Pine Park, Tuncurry.
Register at the Forster Neighbourhood Centre on 1 Coral Avenue.
For more information phone 0419 938 241.