Pitching in for a good cause

Carrie Bickmore, Peter Helliar, Adam Goodes, Kris Smith and Leisel Jones were among a host of celebrities who went in to bat for a good cause at the Medibank Celebrity 20 Twenty cricket match on Sunday.

The cricket match was held in Melbourne on Sunday to raise funds for the Luke Batty Foundation, established by Rosie Batty to raise awareness of family violence.

Former AFL player Darren Jolly dominated the game, while Biggest Loser trainer Commando Steve kept his team motivated. Actors Samuel Johnson and Johnny Ruffo and comedian ‘Lehmo’ and were also on the field providing plenty of entertainment.

But it was the moving speech by 2015 Australian of the Year Rosie Batty, as she presented the trophy to the winning team – the yellow ‘Yabbies’ – that reminded everyone why they were there.

Sadly, family violence is far too common in our community. One in four women in Australia has experienced physical or sexual violence by their partner, boyfriend or date.

As an organisation that stands for better health, Medibank is strongly committed to the prevention of domestic and family violence.

"One in four women in Australia has experienced physical or sexual violence by their partner, boyfriend or date."

Medibank CEO George Savvides, who joined with Rosie Batty to toss the coin before the match, said Medibank was proud to support the Luke Batty Foundation.

“Medibank is proud to be the major partner of the Medibank 20 Twenty Celebrity Cricket Match to raise funds for the Luke Batty Foundation,” he said.

“Sadly, family violence does not discriminate. That’s why this event is such great opportunity for the community to come together in support of the Luke Batty Foundation, and to raise awareness for this very important issue.“

The Luke Batty Foundation

The Luke Batty Foundation raises awareness of family violence and works with government organisations to help ensure family violence is no longer a subject that happens behind closed doors.

Founder Rosie Batty says it is her mission to empower women, give children a voice and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

“Our goal is to end family violence using the voice of survivors and ensure the current statistics are dramatically reduced. Together we can take a stand and make a difference.”

Where to turn for support

1800RESPECT, the National Sexual Assault Domestic and Family Violence Service, provides services to support people experiencing the effects of sexual assault, domestic or family violence 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

1800RESPECT also provides information and advice to help you to recognise if someone close to you is experiencing violence and to assist you to provide support in a safe and caring way.

Visit 1800respect.org.au if you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic or family violence. Or download the Daisy app for information about a service in your state or local area.