The Gold Coast SUNS will host its third annual Round to RizeUp as part of the AFL Round 8 match against Melbourne at Heritage Bank Stadium on Saturday, May 6.

The Round sees the SUNS and its Major Charity Partner RizeUp Australia merge forces to raise funds and awareness for families displaced by domestic violence.

The match, which is scheduled at the beginning of May to coincide with Domestic and Family awareness month, will also see the SUNS don its first Round to RizeUp Guernsey as a tinge of blue is added to the club’s New Balance guernseys to go with blue RizeUp branded socks which were also worn in the 2022 edition.

“RizeUp Australia is a tremendous organisation who continue to bring security, comfort and joy to vulnerable families who need the support most,” Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans said.

“The Gold Coast SUNS are immensely proud of its partnership with RizeUp over the last nine years, including three as the club’s Major Charity Partner.

"We consider it part of our duty to have a positive influence on the community, create awareness and play our role in changing the culture around domestic and family violence.

“We raised more than $20,000 at last year’s match which directly contributed to setting up new, safer lives for displaced families and we look forward to continuing to assist those families in need in 2023 and for years to come.”

RizeUp Australia aims to drive awareness of domestic and family violence within society by generating life-changing, practical support for the families affected, giving them hope and empowerment to move on to a life free from violence.

RizeUp Australia CEO & founder Nicolle Edwards said the organisation was thrilled to be celebrating the third annual Round to RizeUp.

“The partnership with our mighty Gold Coast SUNS is a powerful tool that helps drive awareness about domestic and family violence and raise much-needed funds for the many displaced families fleeing violence,” Edwards said.

“We all have a role to play in ending violence against women and children and the Round to RizeUp is an opportunity for Gold Coasters to unite against violence.

“We are excited about what we know will be another fantastic game.”

Since the first Round to RizeUp was held in 2021, the initiative has raised over $30,000.

Over the last nine years, the club has used its platform to assist RizeUp Australia in driving awareness of domestic and family violence as well as supporting its Major Charity Partner through key campaigns including the RizeUp Christmas and Easter Appeals.

SUNS members and fans will once again have the opportunity to donate to RizeUp in the lead up to, and during, the Round 8 match against Melbourne. Match-worn and player listed guernseys from will also be auctioned following the game with a signed guernsey also available as part of the inaugural RizeUp Gala Ball on August 5.