Pottsville Beach Sports Club: Moving with our Community
At Pottsville Beach Sports Club, we believe in the power of community and the importance of standing together against domestic and family violence. Domestic violence is, at its core, about power and control, and its impact can be devastating for victims and their loved ones. The statistics are alarming: 1 in 6 women and 1 in 18 men in Australia have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a partner since the age of 15. Additionally, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have endured emotional abuse from someone they should have been able to trust. These numbers are not just data points—they represent real people in our community who are suffering.
This is why, in May this year, we decided to join Rotary’s Purple Friday campaign. Every Friday, you’ll see our team wearing purple shirts, a sign of our commitment to making a difference. This isn’t just about raising awareness—it’s about taking action. By wearing purple, we’re showing our support for those who have been affected and making it clear that we stand with them. If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or family violence, help is available. Contact 1800RESPECT at 1800 737 732 for information, support, and counselling.
Our participation in Purple Friday is personal. We know that domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and families deeply. The trauma and pain caused by violence can linger for years, impacting victims and the wider community. The initiative was first championed by Cherry Street Sports in Ballina and has already made a considerable impact in the region. The Ballina on Richmond Rotary Club designed the distinctive purple shirts, which were introduced at Cherry Street Sports Club during Christmas 2022. The strong community response led to the growth of Purple Fridays beyond Cherry Street, and we’re proud to have joined the movement.
We’ve seen the positive impact of the Purple Friday campaign firsthand. The purple shirts have sparked meaningful conversations between our staff and patrons, bringing the issue of domestic violence out of the shadows and into the open.
We understand the role we play in our community, and we’re dedicated to using that role to make a difference. We’re proud to be part of this initiative, and we’re hopeful that other clubs and small businesses in our region will join us in this effort. The more voices that unite against domestic violence, the stronger our message becomes: violence of any kind has no place in our homes.
Our commitment to the community extends beyond this initiative. We actively support local organizations, including providing brunch to 350 people at Pottsville Primary School’s Grandparents Day, funding their choir and band teacher, and donating to their sensory garden. We’ve supplied ANZAC Day breakfast for over 300 members and veterans through our partnership with the RSL Sub Branch.
Additionally, we’ve donated funds to the Pottsville Cricket Club, Football Club, and Cabarita Surf Club for life-saving equipment, and contributed beverages to the Pottsville Community Centre for their Christmas Day lunch. These efforts are part of our ongoing dedication to making a positive impact in our community. We’re committed to supporting our community through every initiative and effort we can.
