Six months on from its launch, Clubs for Community United Against Violence is entering its next phase, rolling out a 12-month action plan designed extend the club industry’s response to domestic and family violence (DFV) across the country.
Speaking at the launch gala on Tuesday evening, chair and ClubsNSW head of social impact Arely Carrion said the next phase would focus on further engagement opportunities with metropolitan and regional clubs.
“Over the next 12 months, our focus will be on building on the current domestic and family violence training programs, and make it more flexible with online options and potential road shows coming out to the regional areas,” Carrion said.
“Partnering with domestic and family violence specialists to provide us with an expert domestic violence lens, and with our great new brand, we will build a suite of resources that can be used industry wide, delivering consistent key messages, a website, a landing page where all clubs can access this information at the click of a button, and a calendar of events across the year, where we will all come together.”
Carrion delivered a powerful reminder that DVF affects every club community.
“Domestic and family violence isn’t somebody else’s problem. It affects every community, every club, and every person. This is not one system, service, or government’s role to fix. It is on each of us playing our part.”
With 60 club members currently part of the initiative, Carrion stressed the collective reach of the movement.
“This is the reach that we have that shows that what we’re doing is really, really important,” she said.
“That’s why Clubs for Community United Against Violence was formed, because together, we are stronger.”
According to Carrion, the group’s mission is to “build a united front against domestic and family violence, from our cities to regional towns”.
“Clubs are safe spaces, and they are trusted voices and we’re using that voice to raise awareness,” she added.
Carrion outlined there are three core pillars the organisation will be focused on: advocating, educating, and collaborating.
“This means marching, launching targeted campaigns within our clubs and throughout the community to raise awareness about domestic and family violence, its signs, and the resources available,” she said.
“We’re also committed to advocating for change, and this means engaging with local government, police and other organisations to influence policies and practices that support domestic and family violence prevention and responses within the broader community and workforce.”
With education also a key focus, Carrion said the organisation will “offer comprehensive training for management and staff… creating and distributing accessible resource materials, such as brochures, posters, digital content, ensuring that the message we share is best practice with consistent messaging across the industry”.
The third pillar, collaboration, involves working closely with community organisations, support services and DFV specialists, Carrion said.
“We will invite clubs to participate in local events… using these opportunities to share information, show support, and strengthen our community ties,” she said.
Carrion acknowledged that clubs are at different stages of their journey, some have fully implemented DFV action plans or leave policies, others are just starting out.
“We cannot do this alone. We need your support, your commitment and your active participation,” she said.
“Spread the word about the resources available to those impacted by domestic and family violence and be champion for change in your own clubs and your community. Together, we are stronger together.”