On Wednesday, a perpetual trophy for the NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Day of Celebration) schools' touch football competition was presented at Pioneer High School.

The trophy is sponsored by the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research at Central Queensland University and was presented by the Centre's Director, Heather Nancarrow, at the school assembly. This is the first year the competition has been conducted.

Heather's address to the staff and students follows:

"You may wonder why the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research, at Central Queensland University, has sponsored an award for a touch football competition; what do they have in common?

"First we have sponsored this trophy because we acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and we value the contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to our community.

"Second, this competition gives us an opportunity to connect with young people, many of whom are forming their first intimate personal relationships. Therefore, we have an opportunity to challenge, encourage and support those young people to develop healthy relationships and to enlist them in our efforts towards a future without domestic violence.  Healthy relationships are characterised by respect, dignity and equality. There is no place in a healthy relationship for possessive jealousy, fear, domination and control.

"Those who win this trophy hold the honour of representing their schools, their people, their families and themselves. They also hold the responsibility of carrying the message of the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research; freedom, no fear, no violence.   Congratulations to the Pioneer State High School on winning the inaugural NAIDOC Touch Footy Competition".

 
Karen Woodley (left), Research Worker from the Centre and Heather Nancarrow present the trophy