EMPOWERING young people and their families to be leaders of change when it comes to preventing violence against women was a key focus of the annual Power to End Violence Against Women and Empowered Role Model event.

The event was held on Thursday 25th of November at the AFL Max facility near the airport.

Students who have participated in the Power to End Violence Against Women and Empowered programs in their respective schools are invited to attend and bring along with a significant role model in their life.

This year’s event consisted of a panel discussion with former AFL players Shaun Burgoyne, Tyson Goldsack and Cam Sutcliffe around the importance of role modelling positive behaviours to help encourage young people to be leaders of change when it comes to the issue of violence against women in Australia.

This was followed by interactive team building exercises conducted by AFL Max staff that align with the program outcomes.

Since inception, the program which is delivered in partnership with Centacare Catholic Family Services and the Government of South Australia, more than 225 students and their role models have taken part in the annual event.

In addition to raising awareness of the issue, the event provides a call to action on ways the participants can contribute to the elimination of violence against women.

Program Coordinator, Cam Sutcliffe highlighted the significance of the event. 

“Having the students bring along their role model is a great extension to the program we deliver in schools as it gives them an opportunity to understand why we run the program and the role we can play,” he explained.

“Port Adelaide Football Club players are significant role models within the community and the event provides an opportunity to empower young men and women and their role models to play an active role in modelling positive behaviours.”