It was a powerful display of solidarity as hundreds came together to take a stand against domestic violence at Council’s annual Tug O’ War Cup last week.
Muscles bulged and teeth were gritted as more than 30 teams, including representatives from local businesses, emergency services and schools, took to the rope to battle it out for the cup.
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said it was a day of fun, but the message was clear – that Canterbury-Bankstown says NO to domestic violence and YES to healthy relationships.
“It’s shameful to learn that since my Domestic Violence Summit, we have continued to see women and some men fall victim to abuse,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“We simply cannot stand by and allow this behaviour to continue.
“Getting so many people together to show their opposition to domestic violence was a great way to start the discussion on how we can work together to stamp out domestic violence.”
Condell Park High School took out Sir Joseph Banks High School for the school’s division title, winning the cup for the fifth year in a row.
The team’s supervising teacher, Joel Smith, said the kids really enjoyed the event and took away a great sense of comradery.
“Domestic violence is a prominent issue in our community. Many students at our school have witnessed this firsthand, so seeing a strong initiative against it and having positive influences provided to them is paramount,” Mr Smith said.
“The boys were very excited to have won! They are wearing their medals to school today and being recognised at our whole school assembly.”
In a well-earned victory, Scope Australia’s team ‘SLESos’ took out Bravo Special Ops for the men’s division title, while the CBCity Wrecking Balls knocked down Bankstown Police for the mixed division win.
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said while his team may not have come home with a cup, they put up a brave fight to get their message across.
If you would like to show your support to the Say NO to Domestic Violence campaign, visit cb.city/SayNoToDV and leave your pledge.