The QRL's Central Divisions Rugby League has partnered with RizeUp in an effort to help tackle domestic violence.
This integral partnership will see all players in the Central Division playing a pivotal role in standing in support against domestic violence.
RizeUp is an independent charity that provides practical assistance to families affected by domestic violence.
Families seeking safety in refuge reach a place where they move on to independent housing.
This is a daunting task and most often the homes are bare, sometimes lacking curtains and carpet and are not the secure and warm homes that the families should be moving in to.
This is where RizeUp comes in and creates an inviting sanctuary for these families to call home.
Through practical action, RizeUp volunteers are able to collect and source donations from the community through the facebook page and turn a stark, cold house into a comfortable, safe and welcoming home.
The team behind the Central Division will work with RizeUp to create awareness of domestic violence through a dedicated “RizeUp” round of the local league competitions as well as providing support through education, fundraising and donation drives.
One of the most important aspects of the partnership will be the exposure of RizeUp’s work in the local communities where the teams are so highly regarded.
In addition, players will be involved in education about respectful relationships.
QRL Central Division Manager Glenn Ottaway was proud to be able to support the initiative.
“We are delighted to be partnering with such a dedicated and practical charity,” he said.
“The issue of domestic violence in our country is still too much of a taboo and we need to educate the community that this behaviour is not acceptable and let victims know that help is available.
“To be able to engage our players in practical action to help victims is such a rewarding and important role for them and the education that RizeUp can bring to our respectful relationships program is invaluable.”
RizeUp Director Nicolle Edwards agreed and said this partnership was a great opportunity to promote an important message.
“This is an amazing opportunity to reach young men who are just starting their adult lives and make them aware of the domestic violence situation in Australia and how they can be help towards eradicating DV and assisting victims,” she said.
“It is a great privilege for us to have these young men wear the RizeUp logo on their jerseys as a badge of honour.
“We look forward to seeing them 'RizeUp' to take a stand against domestic and family violence and to help us all build a safer, healthier Australian community.”
The first event of this partnership will be at the State A-Grade carnival in June.
Central Division players will be presented with their jerseys, proudly sporting the RizeUp logo.
Information and workshops will also be held and presentations to the players on respectful relationships from the RizeUp team and Central Division's Welfare and Education Manager Trish Drummond.
About RIZEUP
RIZEUP is a registered Australian charity with Nicolle Edwards and Sonia Deakin as Directors. Without ever meeting the families, RizeUp and their volunteers are referred homes through the refuges and domestic violence services. Through the power of social media, the needs are placed on Facebook and within 24 to 48 hours, the team have enough goods to furnish a home and provide the little extra special touches that make a house a home.
As well as the homes, RizeUp Rapid Response provides immediate assistance for victims which can be anything from moving a family out of their existing home into a safer home with relatives or friends to providing airfares for a family fleeing interstate in order to escape the violence.
Rize 4 Liam is the school program run by RizeUp to honour the memory of Liam Enese who was taken too soon by illness. Liam was a wonderful volunteer who modelled respect and was the 15-year-old son of our friends Sarah and Tony. We rize up for Liam because children deserve to live free from domestic and family violence. The costs associated with relocating children of school age can sometimes be immense. We rize up to assist children of domestic violence to resettle into new schools (helping ease some economic pressures associated with school relocations, uniforms, books, fees etc.).
This ensures the child starts with confidence and has the same opportunity to learn feeling comfortable and not self-conscious about standing out for the wrong reasons.
To find out how you can help either as a volunteer or donating goods and services, please visit www.facebook.com/rizeup or www.rizeup.com.au
Domestic Violence Service Numbers
Queensland DV Connect 1800 811 811
Queensland DV Prevention Centre 07 5532 9000
National Hotline 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
