The Dragons were recently involved with the Illawarra region's 2nd Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Cup.
NSW Police, Group 7 Rugby League, and close to 150 Shoalhaven region students from Years 9 to 11 took part in an Under 16s Rugby League (men’s) and League Tag (women’s) Domestic Violence Awareness Cup Gala Day.
The likes of Nowra High School, Vincentia High School, Shoalhaven High School and Bomaderry High School were involved in the day along with first-timers Ulladulla High School.
In support of the initiative, Tara McGrath-West and Sara Sautia were on hand along with Sione Finau, Michael Molo, and the Dragons Community team.
Starting in 2023, the revamped DV Awareness Cup aims to bring awareness to, educate, and encourage people to take a stand against domestic and family violence.
During the day, Shoalhaven-based community organisations along with NSW Police Domestic Violence Officers and Youth Liaison Officers set up several stalls to educate and discuss with students and their families a range of issues with an aim to break the cycle of domestic and family violence.
Acting Inspector Joel Latimer believes that the DV Awareness Cup is a great way to break down barriers and engage with young people on this important issue.
“This is much more than a sporting event,” Acting Insp. Latimer said.
“It’s an opportunity for young people and their families who are in attendance to connect with police, with community organisations, and provide information and support for survivors of domestic violence.”
In the lead-up to the gala day, police also attended schools participating in the event to talk about a range of issues surrounding domestic violence to educate and raise awareness of domestic and family violence and provide opportunities for students to reach out and connect them with services if they need help.
Male and female merit teams were selected from the day with players earning an opportunity to attend an NRLW and NRL training session.
Players were selected not only on playing ability but also based on school behaviour, attendance, and on-field attitude.
The players were shown through the facilities at WIN Stadium before participating in some activities with squads and watching training.
