This is Part 1 of a 2-part series – inspired by coverage from ClubLife.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over one in four women have experienced violence by a family member or intimate partner since the age of fifteen.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare describes family and domestic violence (FDV) as “behaviours that cause, or intend to cause, fear or harm”, while Health Direct advises that FDV can be committed by a family member, spouse, partner, ex-partner, carer or guardian of any gender or sexual orientation.
Clubs across Australia have long recognised the importance of action in their communities to combat this serious issue.
ClubsNSW created its Clubs and Community Awards in recognition of the impact that clubs have made in their communities, including FDV initiatives.
This year, Revesby Workers’ Club is one finalist under the Awards’ Social Inclusion category for its work in addressing FDV, following its establishment of Biyani House – Revesby Women’s Shelter, in 2021, in collaboration with Women’s Community Shelters.
The club sourced and renovated a property for the project, ensuring it could safely accommodate up to five women and their children.
Over the past four years it has become a vital refuge, flourishing as the club continues its support. In the last year alone, Revesby Workers’ has donated $128,000 to the shelter.
Assistant Manager, Marketing and Community Alysha Green said the club plans to expand the project to help more families, saying community support plays a vital role.
“For every 100 women Biyani House accommodates, an alarming 367 others seek support,” she said.
Each year, the club hosts an International Women’s Day event to raise funds for the shelter, raising $24,000 in 2024.
Not content to stop there, the club recently announced it has joined the Purple Friday initiative.
Joining clubs such as Cherry Street Sports Club Ballina, which won a 2024 Clubs & Community Award for its work in rolling out the day, Revesby Workers’ Club has committed all staff to wearing a purple polo shirt every Friday in lieu of their regular uniform, in a visual display of support for domestic abuse survivors.
The intent is to encourage open conversations around the issue within the workplace and wider community.
The key message of the campaign is ‘YES to Respectful Relationships, and NO to Violence’.
Club President Christine Butters and CEO Scott Bennetts confirmed the Group’s commitment to these values in a joint statement.
“As the President, and a registered midwife, I have witnessed the long-lasting trauma domestic violence causes in individuals and families,” Butters said.
“Support, compassion, and timely intervention can make all the difference. We want our people to know that they will be heard, believed, and supported,” she continued.
“It is our responsibility to make sure our staff not only feel safe but are equipped with the resources and support systems they need — both professionally and personally,” said Bennetts.
“Our commitment to dignity and respect must be evident every day.”
The club hopes the initiative will help to foster widespread cultural change.
The Clubs & Community Awards dinner will be held on 19 June. A full list of the 2025 finalists across all categories can be found here.
