The Gold Coast SUNS have announced that Michael Rischitelli and Keegan Brooksby will be the club’s Domestic Violence player ambassadors in 2016.

Domestic Violence (respect & responsibility), is one of three key charity pillars that forms part of the SUNS’ community engagement strategy, along with youth homelessness and increasing social benefit in the northern growth corridor.

Rischitelli welcomed the opportunity to join the campaign to end violence against women.

“For over six years the Gold Coast SUNS has been working to make a difference in the fight against Domestic Violence.

“The issue continues to grow in our society, in particular here on the Gold Coast and as a club, we want to do all we can to stop this issue,” he said.

Brooksby believes he and his teammates can make a significant difference in the area of Domestic Violence.

“We are lucky as players to have a strong influence in the community, therefore by talking about the issues surrounding Domestic Violence we will help increase awareness of this serious problem.

“To be able to help spread the message through the work we do will hopefully help to end violence against women and children in the community,” Brooksby said.

In supporting the area of domestic violence awareness, the SUNS work closely with three local charity groups delivering programs, activities and fundraising alongside ACT for Kids, Paradise Kids and the Domestic Violence Prevention Centre.

As the club’s ambassadors for Domestic Violence, Rischitelli and Brooksby will each play a key role in acting as mentors in providing messaging around respect and responsibility towards women, children and the wider community.

The pair will also be the face of the Love Bites program, an educational program delivered with the Queensland Police Service and community service providers to Year 10 students about the realities of domestic and family violence.

General Manager of Stadium, Consumer & Community – Kelly Ryan, who presented a cheque on behalf of the Gold Coast Community Fund for $7,500 to ACT for Kids, Domestic Violence Prevention Centre and Paradise Kids at Metricon Stadium, was delighted with the appointments of Rischitelli and Brooksby as domestic violence ambassadors.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to deliver for the Gold Coast community and the AFL since we arrived on the Coast in 2009, especially in the area of Domestic Violence awareness.

“In the last five years our club and our players have committed to more than 26,115 community volunteering hours with a strong focus on key social projects tackling domestic violence, youth homelessness and regional needs.

“It isn’t tick-a-box community. Michael and Keegan will provide authentic engagement with a community that has backed us. We see the role of Michael and Keegan as giving back to a community that supports us,” Ryan added.

Rischitelli and Brooksby replace former SUNS players Zac Smith and Daniel Gorringe as Domestic Violence ambassadors.

Smith was awarded with the AFL’s highest community honour at the 2013 Brownlow Medal count, when he was presented with the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for his outstanding club service in the area of domestic violence.