On Saturday night at Metricon Stadium the Gold Coast SUNS will deepen its partnership with the Queensland Government and Queensland Police Service to raise awareness and champion change in the space of Domestic & Family Violence.

Saturday night’s match against Geelong will be Domestic Violence Prevention Round.

This year, the club has joined forces with the state government and QPS to formally support two of the city’s most important community initiatives; Not Now, Not Ever and The Support Your Community project.

The Not Now, Not Ever challenge is a Queensland Government-led campaign, encouraging Queenslanders to step up and put an end to Domestic Violence.

Meanwhile, The Support Your Community project provides community leaders from culturally and linguistically diverse communities with the necessary skills and knowledge to present effective domestic violence awareness training within their respective communities throughout the city’s district regions.

Respect & Responsibility, is one of three key charity pillars that forms part of the SUNS’ community engagement strategy, along with youth homelessness and increasing social benefit in the northern growth corridor.

In supporting the area of Domestic and Family Violence awareness, the SUNS work closely with four local charity groups delivering programs, activities and fundraising alongside ACT for Kids, Paradise Kids, Rize Up Australia and the Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold Coast.

Club ambassadors, Michael Rischitelli and Keegan Brooksby, each play a key role in acting as mentors for those in the city impacted by violence towards women, children and the wider community.

Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive, Mark Evans welcomed the community partnerships and themed game.

“As a club we acknowledge our social responsibility to continue to increase awareness and social understanding of Domestic and Family Violence,” Mr Evans said.

“Our club prides itself on the support of our four nominated charities within the area of Domestic Violence Prevention and see these community partnerships as another way of playing our role to end this epidemic on the Gold Coast.”

“This Saturdays match against Geelong is another opportunity for our club to be a voice of social change. The club will raise funds through two initiatives, firstly $1 of each daily ticket will go directly to our four local charities. Secondly, we have created a specific ‘Play Your Role Membership’ - a membership designed for fans who want to play their role supporting the club and our charities.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said it was great to see the Gold Coast Suns were committed to helping end violence in homes across Queensland.

“As Government, community and businesses, we all need to step up and challenge the attitudes that underpin domestic and family violence,” she said.

“Footy is a powerful vehicle to help drive the ‘Not Now, Not Ever’ message home – particularly to the young men who idolize stars of the game.

“The influence of players showing respect for women and girls and speaking out against violence cannot be underestimated.”