The awareness raising and golf competition was held at Worrigee Links Golf Club and was sponsored by local residents David Hedger and Mick Edwards who joined forces with SportsPower Nowra and Nowra City Holden and raised over $300 was to help White Ribbon Australia.

More importantly the day raised awareness about the need to end men’s violence against women.

White Ribbon Day  is a national day for the prevention of violence against women held each year on November 25.

The inaugural Men Against Violence perpetual trophy was won by husband and wife team Peter and Lyn Loveday with an impressive 48 modified points with seconf place getters Alex and David Hedger on 44 points pipping Kauri Pirika and Benn Ison on a countback.

All of the novelty events with prizes supplied by SportsPower Nowra were won on the day but unfortunately the car from Nowra City Holden was not won.

One very unlucky golfer came perilously close, running over the hole on the sixth and was left with a 30cm putt for birdie – so close but yet so far.

Some players did find the modified stableford scoring difficult and frustrating but in the larger context, the challenge of the scoring system falls into insignificance compared to the fact that violence against women is sadly an everyday occurrence.

“Devastatingly, each year on average, one woman is killed every week in Australia as a result of intimate partner violence,” Mr Hedger said.

“Many thanks to our sponsors George Kulcsar  at SportsPower Nowra and Steve McCarty and the team at Nowra City Holden and to the Worrigee Links golf club for their support.

“More importantly we thank the 100 players that supported the day and promoted the message that all of us can make a difference to bringing an end to men’s violence against women.

“If you see something you should definitely say something.

“Hopefully next year we will see an increase in numbers playing in the event and more importantly a reduction in violence against women.”

Those who wish to support the critical work of White Ribbon Australia in the prevention of men’s violence against women can also make a tax deductible donation at www.whiteribbon.org.au/donate. 

If you are experiencing violence or suspect someone else is, please contact 1800 RESPECT for advice and support. In an emergency, call the police on 000.

For assistance on alcohol and other drug concerns contact the local health service on 1300 652 226 during business hours or alternatively for advice and support contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 422 599.