Through its community arm Sharks Have Heart, the Sharks help, inspire, engage, educate and advance equality by supporting a variety of community programs. See the October newsletter which details the recent efforts of Sharks Have Heart and the initiatives and organisations it supports.
Sharks driving a culturally aware community
The Sharks Cultural Awareness Program concluded last week at Jannali East Primary School, after visiting 15 schools in 2019. Aboriginal Elder Aunty Deanna Schreiber delivers the program, which providing local students with an opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture and history. Students learn about the tools and items used for hunting, recreation and food gathering, music and participate in traditional face painting and dance. The program has a strong focus on bringing Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people together through a better shared understanding, resulting in the breaking down of cultural barriers. The Sharks fund and support Aunty Deanna in facilitating the program, which aligns with the Club’s current Reconciliation Action Plan and commitment to promoting Diversity and Inclusivity within the Shire.
Sharks walk the walk to curb domestic violence.
A large delegation from the Sharks NRL and 20’s squads, along with Sharks staff took to the streets to signal their commitment to ending domestic violence on Friday 22 November. The hazy and windy conditions didn’t hamper the resolve of all those attending, with scores of school students from local primary and high schools, community members and businesses showing up to take a stand and walk the walk in the ongoing effort to curb domestic violence in the Shire.
Following the walk, we heard from Sutherland Shire Mayor Carmelo Pesce, NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman and Prime Minister Scott Morrison via a pre-recorded message of support. The message was uniform – the statistics are too high, domestic abuse can happen to anyone and spousal, domestic and family abuse is everyone’s business.
Sharks to support kids in need.
Sharks mascot Reefy is set to spread some Christmas cheer at the Variety Kids Christmas Party on November 26th for kids experiencing illness, disadvantage or living with additional needs. Always a favourite with the kids, Reefy will be bringing his usual energy to the party for 5,000 four to twelve-year old’s – meaning give or take 10,000 hugs and high fives for Reefy’s fins. Reefy may face some competition though with Santa set to make an appearance to take in the entertainment, rides, face painting and games. Handing out Sharks gear and spending time with the kids, Reefy will be representing the Sharks commitment to inclusivity and diversity that is emblematic through our Mega Jaws and Skills 4 Me programmes.
Students to reflect on a year of Love Bites learning
The Sharks hosted local students from the Love Bites Program for an end of year gallery showcase event and presentation to encourage students to reflect on the importance of respectful relationships and all they have learnt at Love Bites in 2019. The Love Bites program has reached 1,200 Year 10 students every year since its launch in 2011, the Sharks along with Woolooware Bay fund a part time program coordinator for the award winning domestic violence, sexual assault and consent education program, with Wade Graham serving as the Shark’s program ambassador. For the inaugural Creative Arts Excellence Award the best artworks reflecting on the workshops will receive prizes such as a signed jersey and a VIP Training Experience.
