MACEDON Football Netball Club is tackling the issue of family violence head on as it hosts 2015 Australian of the Year Rosie Batty and 1967 Australian of the Year Athol Guy at Jubilee Hall in Macedon tonight.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Guy will help set the stage for Ms Batty to talk of her experience as Australian of the Year and the personal journey that led to her receiving the honour.
"We want Rosie to get up and speak from the heart and tell us what it's like being Australian of the Year, it is one of the top honours that the country can give you," Mr Guy said.
You don't want anyone who is suffering to feel that they're alone, the more we can make that public, the better.
- Athol Guy
Ms Batty formed the Luke Batty Foundation in February 2014 after her son Luke was killed by his father at cricket practise on February 12, 2014. The foundation was set up with the goal of raising funds to support women and children affected by the trauma of family violence. Ms Batty's unwavering campaigning to raise awareness firmly brought the issue to the nation's attention.
"She has an amazing story to tell in her own way, and I know everyone is going to be very very moved," Mr Guy said. "She deserves all the credit for putting it (the issue of family violence) out there."
Mr Guy believes Ms Batty's story will mean something different to everyone in the room.
"They'll go home and think very quietly about people they know, hopefully it's not happening to them, but if it is, hopefully they have the courage to know that it's something they can address, and Rosie Batty gives them the courage to address it," Mr Guy said.
Victims of family violence often find it difficult to seek help. They commonly fear if they speak up, they may make the situation worse and be subjected to further abuse.
"You don't want anyone who is suffering to feel that they're alone - the more we can make that public, the better," Mr Guy said.
To get tickets, contact Lee Christiansen on 0414 421 710. The cost is $95 per person with a two-course dinner, with beer, wine and soft drinks included. Event starts at 7.45pm.