Purple Friday: A Year of Purpose, Progress
May marks 12 months since Revesby Workers’ Club launched the Purple Friday initiative, a bold commitment to our staff, members and community to raise awareness of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) and strengthen support for those impacted. What began as a visible symbol of solidarity has evolved into a whole‑of‑organisation movement for education, prevention and genuine cultural change.
Inspired by the actions of Cherry Street Sports Club in Ballina, CEO Scott Bennetts and Chief People Officer Sharyn Buhagiar championed this initiative with a shared belief in creating a workplace—and a community—where safety, respect and support are not merely encouraged but absolutely non‑negotiable.
Together, they brought to life a comprehensive approach grounded in the Club’s Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Action Plan, a framework that formalised our commitments, actions and long‑term objectives.
Over the past year, more than 250 staff members have completed formal DFSV awareness training. This equips every team member with the ability to recognise warning signs, provide appropriate support and adopt a culture that does not tolerate violence in any form.
Purple Friday is also a Club‑wide visual statement. Each Friday, staff proudly wear their purple shirts—symbolising strength, courage and dignity—to show solidarity with survivors and spark meaningful conversations about respectful relationships.
To extend the visibility of the initiative beyond staff, the Club installed Purple Benches at both the Tarro Avenue and Brett Street entrances. These benches serve as permanent reminders of our stance against domestic and family violence, encouraging reflection, awareness and community connection.
They represent more than a symbol—they reinforce that Revesby Workers’ is a safe place to seek help and an active ally in ending violence.
Purple Friday is deeply connected to our longstanding relationship with Biyani House – Revesby Women’s Shelter, the only crisis refuge for women and children in the Canterbury‑Bankstown LGA. With domestic violence reports rising 17.1% in our LGA and 45% of homelessness cases linked to DFV, the need for support has never been greater. Through strong partnerships and continued advocacy, the Club is contributing to life‑changing services, including the shelter’s recent major redevelopment that will enable them to support even more families in crisis.
In November 2025, during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, the Club was featured across the Nine Network as part of a national TV documentary called Helping Hands. The segment highlighted Purple Friday and showcased how the initiative is driving cultural awareness, reducing stigma and promoting respectful relationships within both the workplace and the broader community.
Twelve months later, Purple Friday stands as a powerful reflection of who we are as an organisation. Every staff member—from the front desk to senior leadership—has embraced the initiative with sincerity and pride. Together, we have created an environment where education, empathy and support are embedded in daily practice.
The Club’s message remains clear and unwavering:
REVESBY WORKERS’ CLUB
Say YES to Respectful Relationships.
Say NO to Violence.
Let’s continue making a difference—together.
