By DAVID NAGEL
EVEN the coaches of the Doveton and Pakenham Football and Netball Club’s would agree… their messages were secondary to those delivered at the White Ribbon Day held at Robinson Reserve on Saturday.
White Ribbon is Australia’s only national, male led campaign to end men’s violence against women.
Its vision is for all women to live in safety, free from all forms of men’s violence, its mission, to make women’s safety a man’s issue too.
Globally, White Ribbon is the world’s largest male-led movement to end men’s violence against women. Originating in Canada in 1991, White Ribbon is now active in more than 60 countries; beginning in Australia in 2003 it became a Foundation in 2007.
Doveton president Shane Viney said his club was proud of the part it had played in raising awareness of such an important community issue.
“No disrespect to all the other foundations out there, but White Ribbon Day is raising awareness of an issue that we actually have some control over,” Viney said.
“And there’s no better place to start that message than at a football club.
“The South East Football Netball League has jumped on board and I think it’s only a matter of time before we see a White Ribbon Day round of football played in this league.
“The South East Juniors are also getting involved and that’s another great place to start, with so many girls playing junior football around the region.
“We were the first club to wear a White Ribbon on our jumpers and we’re proud of that title as well.”
Doveton’s senior football coach, Shannon Henwood, said the stats on male violence against women did surprise him.
“It does open up your eyes because when you hear the stats it’s a real problem in society,” he said.
“It’s one of the biggest issues in our community so I’m proud of the club for getting involved and trying to make a difference.”
Guest speakers included White Ribbon Ambassador Brian Paynter – Chairman of the Kylie Blackwood Foundation and State MP for Bass, and Labor MP for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams.
“Brian spoke passionately about the issue, you could really see the anger in his eyes,” Viney said.
“I think the message came across very loud and clear.”
This was the second White Ribbon Day event to be held by the two clubs. Noble Park and Balwyn will continue the White Ribbon Day events with their annual Queen’s Birthday clash on Saturday from 2pm at Noble Park’s Moodemere Street home.
