The White Ribbon Cup came to Parkes this year after the inaugural event in Forbes last year with a crowd of about 2,500 packing the Pioneer Oval on Monday. The annual footy event between Parkes and Forbes High Schools aims to raise awareness of domestic violence.
“Our youth are standing up and saying loud and clear: ‘It needs to stop!’” said White Ribbon Ambassador and Forbes
High School Aboriginal Educational Officer (AEO), Barry Merrit. The staggering statistics of domestic violence speaks for itself.
On average, one woman a week is murdered in Australia in a domestic violence incident and one in four children has witnessed domestic violence in their lifetime. “It was an amazing day for our students,” said Peta Moran of Parkes High School.
She said the idea of spreading the message through sport was definitely making an impact judging by the huge crowd on the day. “It does not stop with the game. We will invite the Forbes team over for a barbeque, and on White Ribbon Day in November we plan more activities at the school.”
Although Forbes High School took home the cup for the second time with a 42-10 victory, the day was not about winning the game but about students coming together and raising awareness.
The Oliver Carlisle Memorial Medal for the best sportsman from Parkes was awarded to Harrison McGregor, while
Charlie Staines from Forbes High School received the Jess Cole Memorial Medal.
By Maggi Barnard