It’s a twin town clash, but this time Parkes and Forbes high schools are on the same side.
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On Wednesday, November 22, the traditional rivals will face off on the footy field: in support of White Ribbon Australia and to raise awareness about domestic violence.
The rugby league game, beginning at 9.30am, is hosted by Forbes High this year and is expected to become an annual clash.
Parkes High will host the game next year.
The match will be played in 20-minute quarters.
A minute’s silence will also be held in honour of domestic violence victims.
The Forbes Domestic and Family Violence Committee will be running a barbecue on the day.
We hope the game creates more of a focus on what White Ribbon do and what their messages are.
- Parkes High School teacher Joe Spicer
Forbes High School’s Relieving Principal Jason Nottingham said the school has a real focus on well-being and this football match helps to build a strong link with the community and White Ribbon Australia.
White Ribbon Australia is an organisation dedicated to ending violence against women.
“Having a footy match is a good awareness raising event for both towns,” Mr Nottingham said.
Parkes High School teacher Joe Spicer said the high school had been involved with White Ribbon campaigns before, but decided to take part in the match because of the greater awareness it will create.
Mr Spicer said they hope the game creates more of a focus on what White Ribbon do and what their messages are.
Chase Dingle, representative from CMOC-Northparkes Mines, said the company came on board to sponsor the game as it is important to get White Ribbon’s messages to the community.
Northparkes Mines are strong advocates of White Ribbon Australia.
Forbes High School’s White Ribbon Ambassador Barry Merritt said the event was not about the game, but rather about the message that domestic violence is not okay.
Each year a new theme is chosen for White Ribbon Day, with this year’s theme being ‘Stop’.
Campaign organisers are providing resources and tools to help men safely intervene when they witness disrespect, abuse or violence against women.
According to White Ribbon’s statistics, on average, one woman is killed every week in Australia by domestic violence.
“This statistic is horrifying and we have to work together to challenge attitudes and behaviours to prevent all violence against women,” White Ribbon CEO Libby Davies said.
White Ribbon has a national primary prevention initiative aiming to stop violence before it occurs through education programs in schools, workplaces and the broader community.
White Ribbon Day 2017 is on Saturday, November 25.
For more information visit White Ribbon Australia’s website www.whiteribbon.org.au.
