The sport of rugby league was used to deliver an important message to an estimated crowd of 15,000 people at the Prime Minister's XIII game in Lae on Sunday 25 September.
Members from both the Australian Prime Minister's XIII and the PNG Kumuls wore on their jerseys the message: Stop Violence Against Women.
Half time in the match featured a short play on preventing violence against women, and the crowd announcer repeated the anti-violence theme of the day throughout the match.
On Saturday around 400 school children from Papua New Guinea participated in a coaching clinic that involved both skills development and information on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, show self discipline and the importance of not committing violence against women.
PM's XIII Coach Mal Meninga and Captain Nathan Hindmarsh visited the National Broadcast Commission studio in Lae to record a community service announcement on violence against women which will be broadcast nationally on radio in PNG until White Ribbon Day on 25 November–the international day for the elimination of violence against women.
Listen to Mal Meninga's community service announcement [MP3 468kb]
Transcript of Mal Meninga's announcement:
"Hi, I'm Mal Meninga. I know a lot about football, I've been playing it all my life. I also know that beating women is wrong. We men have to stand strong. Say 'no' to violence now. If we do, we can make a better life for our families. So guys, take it from me–strong men don't bash women."
Listen to Nathan Hindmarsh's community service announcement [MP3 528kb]
Transcript of Nathan Hindmarsh's announcement:
"Hi, I'm Nathan Hindmarsh for the Australian Kangaroos. There's nothing I like more than winning at football, and going out after the game to celebrate with my mates. But I don't let things get out of control and I don't go home and bash my wife. It's not alright. It's also against the law. So mates, stand strong and say 'no' to violence now. And remember–strong men don't bash women."
After the coaching clinic, the Cowboys Matt Bowen and Rabbitohs player Nathan Merritt visited the children's ward of Lae hospital and handed out pencil cases and caps to sick children which brought a huge smiles to their faces.
As for the game; it was one of the most entertaining in recent memory, with Australia scoring six trys to four and winning 36 points to 22. It was the first time the match had been played outside of Moresby. The venue in Lae meant the match was more accessible to league fans outside of Port Moresby.