The Gawler Bunyips incredible stand against domestic violence growing in popularity and importance

It’s been less than three months since the unimaginable happened. Now, the Gawler Bunyips have banded together in the fight against domestic violence.

IT has been less than three months since the unimaginable happened.

On April 21 Henry Shepherdson, 38, jumped to his death along with his nine-month-old daughter, Kobi, from the Whispering Wall reservoir in the Barossa Valley.

The heartbreaking murder-suicide shocked the nation and rocked the community closer to home.

The Gawler Districts AFL Master's club (Gawler Bunyips) will have a White Ribbon Round on Sunda, August 15. Mark Schuster (Sec), Drew Kerr (President), Gary Cluse, Rob Superina, Tony Cook (PO), Scott Mallett (Coach) and Steve Hicks (Treasurer). Picture: Keryn Stevens

Now, local football team the Gawler Bunyips wants the senseless loss of life to highlight the cowardly violence against women and children across South Australia. Club secretary Mark Schuster said the tragedy had prompted the players to actively promote the Gawler District League’s White Ribbon round on August 15.

“The event began in 2016 after the domestic violence murder of a young mother and two children at Hillier, in our own backyard, so as a group we decided to make a statement against violence towards women,” Mr Schuster said.

“Sadly, this year we have again seen a domestic violence tragedy in our own backyard, at the Whispering Wall, and so we continue to feel strongly about our cause.”

The round will see two matches between both Gawler and West, followed by a contest between Athelstone and Henley.

The Masters League caters to players above the age of 35, with the oldest player at Gawler being 73 and as “fit as a fiddle”, according to Mr Schuster.

He said the round had broad implications for the Masters League in opening up a dialogue about how to address violence against women and children.

Mark Schuster (Sec), Drew Kerr (President), Gary Cluse, Rob Superina, Tony Cook (PO), Scott Mallett (Coach) and Steve Hicks (Treasurer). Picture: Keryn Stevens

“What it’s done is it’s given us permission to hold each other accountable for behaviour or comments without fear of retribution or dismissal,” Mr Schuster said.

“We’re all dads ourselves and older fellas with adult daughters in relationships. When you're at our stage of life, the reality sinks in that these things happen; they should never happen to any woman or any child.

“The reality is it’s violence that happens at the hands of men, so we have a responsibility to take a stand in our circle of influence. It’s about checking on mates and opening up those opportunities to discuss things said which are concerning. Even if they’re not necessarily violent, the language used can be indicative of gender bias.”

Mr Schuster said the first White Ribbon round was centred around a pair of game day socks for teams, but has grown to record crowds and a special game-day guernsey complete with a sponsor in BW Electrical.

The White Ribbon round on August 15 is at Argana Park, Elizabeth, from 11am.