A GROUP of local football umpires will take a stand to stop violence against women later this month.
The Northern District Football Umpires Association will swap its orange uniform for white shirts during Golden Rivers Football League seniors matches on Saturday, July 30 as part of White Ribbon Round.
Now in its second year, the association will aim to raise more than $1500 to help White Ribbon Australia’s efforts to run programs to help stop any form of violence against women occurring. This is achieved through primary prevention initiatives involving awareness raising and education, and programs with youth, schools, workplaces across the broader community.
“On average, one woman in Australia is killed each week at the hands of a current or former partner, and we want to see this figure drop to zero,” association secretary/treasurer, Scott Bourne said.
“We chose to assist White Ribbon Australia last year as a way of supporting our increasing number of female members, and we want to see the organisation’s good work grow.”
As part of a day of events, NDFUA members will be at Murrabit, Nullawil, Quambatook and Ultima early to encourage spectators to donate to the cause, with umpires to wear the one-off uniform during the afternoon on-field.
A trivia night will occur later that evening at the Kerang Lawn Tennis Club, with places still available.
Members have also committed to the cause, donating funds to the initiative.
The group’s fundraising efforts took a blow earlier this month when thieves stole $140 already collected, but Bourne is confident the organisation will surpass last year’s total of just over $1000.
“The association’s members, local businesses, the Golden Rivers Football League and its clubs all support the initiative, which is a positive move in focusing on White Ribbon Australia’s goals,” Bourne said.
