Using sport to stop violence against women

Luke Ablett, a former Sydney Swans player who is now a volunteer in Vanuatu, addressed members of Parliament at a breakfast event to promote sport in development in Canberra on 18 June 2014.

Here is his speech:

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the Ngunnawal people who are the traditional custodians of this land on which we are meeting and pay respect to the Elders of the Ngunnawal Nation both past and present.

I extend this respect to all indigenous people in attendance today.

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, it's a great honour to be here today, and given the other speakers and attendees, it is also very humbling.
(As mentioned) I used to play for the Sydney Swans in the AFL. I can still remember when my name was read out in the 2000 AFL National draft at number 24, a moment that would send me to Sydney for the next nine years. It would be an experience that would change my life, and would shape and define the person that I am today.

In the same manner, I remember the moment the direction of my life would change once again, 10 years later, when my eyes were opened to the issue of violence against women, and gender inequality in general.

Read more about his speech at Red Cross Australia »