Cessnock Leagues Club is proud to announce its participation in the Purple Friday campaign, a grassroots movement aimed at raising awareness and fostering conversations about domestic and family violence.

Purple Friday was launched by Cherry Street Sports Ballina in November 2023 and has since taken off in communities across Australia, with businesses, schools, and community groups donning purple shirts to send a clear message: domestic and family violence is not acceptable in any community.

“Purple Friday has done more than raise awareness in Ballina; it has sparked vital conversations, offered lifelines to those in need, and showcased the strength of community spirit – and we hope it will do the same thing in Cessnock,” Cessnock Hospitality Group community engagement manager Krystal Sellars said.

“By wearing these purple shirts on Fridays, we are taking a stand against domestic and family violence, while promoting respectful relationships and supporting survivors.”

Through its partnership with Paladin Sports, the Purple Friday campaign supports NAPCAN’s Love Bites program, which educates young people about respectful relationships.

Cessnock Leagues Club will also be supporting Carrie’s Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services by encouraging patrons to donate to the charity in-venue.

Prior to the launch on September 5, Cessnock Leagues Club’s designated Purple Friday team members took part in a training session – delivered by ClubsNSW Head of Social Impact, Arely Carrion – on how to respond appropriately if a member, guest or colleague requires support.

Cessnock Leagues Club is one of 60 clubs that have joined the newly-formed Clubs for Community – United Against Violence initiative, a statewide effort led by Ms Carrion to unite the club industry in tackling domestic and family violence through advocacy, education and collaboration.

Ms Sellars said participating in the Purple Friday and Clubs for Community – United Against Violence campaigns reinforced Cessnock Leagues Club’s long-standing commitment to supporting initiatives that address domestic and family violence.

In 2024, the club partnered with Escabags, a charity that provides ‘escape bags’ to people fleeing domestic violence.

In recent years the club has raised funds for local support services through its International Women’s Day gala dinners from 2020 to 2022 and its Solidarity Breakfast in 2023, and has regularly supported these organisations through the ClubGRANTS program.

  • Support is available for those impacted by domestic and family violence. Call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.