More than 50 clubs from across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the ACT have joined forces to take on one of Australia’s most pressing issues: domestic and family violence. These clubs, brought together by Mounties Group, formed a club industry prevention committee with a shared vision: to build a community where every individual is respected, supported, and where clubs are recognised as trusted safe spaces.
The formation of this committee was announced at a landmark free two-day training session focused on domestic violence prevention, a first of its kind in the club industry, hosted by Mounties Group. Representatives from each of the clubs, along with their staff, attended the training to gain practical guidance on how to implement strategies for supporting victims and preventing violence within their venues.
“It is more important than ever that we, as an industry, take proactive action in supporting our workforce and community, but also that we begin the difficult and somewhat uncomfortable discussions about the products and services that we offer,” Mounties Group community engagement manager Arely Carrion said.
“How do these products and services contribute as drivers of violence, and what can we do as an industry, a workplace, and a club, to minimise this risk in the back of our mind, knowing that we must never lose sight of the fact that violence is a choice, and everyone can choose non-violence in all relationships or situations? We must not fall into the trap of excusing the actions of violence and abuse.”
Dale Hunt, CEO of Mounties Group, underscored the urgency of this initiative.
“When you consider that 10 years ago the government announced that domestic violence is a national crisis, and here we are, a decade later, and one in four women are still experiencing domestic violence, there simply hasn’t been enough help,” he said.
“II’s not a matter anymore of saying that’s the government’s job, or that’s the certain other groups jobs, it’s time for us all, as a community, as people that care about each other, to come together and finally deal with a national crisis.”
The training was designed to equip club leaders and staff with the knowledge to recognise the signs of domestic violence, provide support, and become proactive in the fight against abuse. The committee members are now tasked with taking what they learned and implementing it across their venues to make a lasting impact.
NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison also attended and praised the club industry’s proactive approach to addressing the issue.
“The club industry has got an important part to play … and we want to partner with you. With everybody working together, we are going to drive down and we’re going to eliminate domestic and family violence. We know that there’s much more to be done. As a government, we are deeply committed to doing this work. As a minister, I am deeply committed to doing this work. We can’t do it without you.”