Toowoomba Hospital representatives will meet local police officers on the cricket pitch on Saturday 28 May in an effort to raise awareness and funds for domestic and family violence prevention.
Last year, two cricket matches were played, and organiser Toowoomba Hospital’s Indigenous Liaison Officer Tony Saunders hopes the events will become regular fixtures on the local sporting calendar. “When we first started the cricket games we wanted to open up the conversation about domestic and family violence and say that it is never okay,†Mr Saunders said.
“By involving local police officers and representatives from the hospital we saw it as a way to introduce community members, in an informal setting, to people who can help and provide advice regarding domestic and family violence issues. “Domestic and family violence is an issue that is on the state and national agenda. This is one way we can contribute to that conversation, at a local level.
The cricket games have also been an opportunity to foster a bit of friendly rivalry across the two organisations. “We played two games last year, with each team winning one each,†Mr Saunders said.
The domestic violence awareness cricket game will be played at Darling Heights State School on Saturday 28 May from 9.30am. The event will also feature a jumping castle, face painting, petting zoo and activities for children and free pancakes from 9am. A fundraising barbecue lunch will be held from 11.30am. “Everybody is welcome to come along and enjoy a fun, family day out,†Mr Saunders said.
Proceeds from the barbecue will go to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation to continue their support of local domestic and family violence prevention initiatives. The cricket match will be held during the Queensland Government’s Domestic and Family Violence
Prevention Month and is in support of the Not Now, Not Ever campaign.
Submitted by:
Anthea Holborn
Senior Media Officer | Media, Communication and Engagement
Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service
