Visit our website at www.afp.gov.au for all the latest information on the Australian Federal Police
Media Release
12 June 2009
AFP and Essendon working together to promote
community understanding and social inclusion
On Sunday, 21 June, Australian Football will unite Melbourne’s culturally
diverse communities, the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and the
Essendon Football Club when they combine into teams for the second Unity
Cup Family Day round robin competition.
AFP Melbourne Office Manager Alan Scott said: “The Unity Cup provides an
excellent opportunity for people to see that police are also part of the
communities in which they live and work. This event goes some way towards
developing a greater understanding of the role of law enforcement officers”.
Essendon General Manager of Media and Community, Simon Matthews, hoped
Essendon and AFP’s Community Liaison Team could develop the Unity Cup into
an integral event for the club’s and community’s social calendars.
“Sport has the ability to communicate across cultures and break down
language barriers, which makes it a powerful tool to support the development
of a stronger, more resilient and unified society. When applied effectively,
sports programs promote social inclusion and mutual understanding which
helps to reduce tension and generate dialogue. The club believes the Unity Cup
does exactly that and we are very excited to once again be involved,” Mr
Matthews said.
Essendon player and Multicultural Program Ambassador Andrew Welsh was
impressed with the skills and ability of each of the four community teams last
year and hoped to see more individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds
playing Australian Football.
“Having guys like Bachar Houli and Michael Quinn playing at Essendon is
important for the multicultural community as AFL players are role models for
many young people. You can learn a lot about individuals and communities just
by playing and participating in sport,” Mr Welsh said.
Other events scheduled for the Unity Cup Family Day include:
•
autograph signings by Essendon stars
•
a community BBQ
•
children’s Auskick clinics
•
women’s activities
•
children’s entertainment and more.
Visit our website at www.afp.gov.au for all the latest information on the Australian
Federal Police
Commander Scott said the event builds on the work the AFP Community
Liaison Team and the community have been doing over the past 12 months,
working together to build a relationship between the community and the AFP:
“This event is about fostering mutual understanding and respect and
highlighting the positive ways in which police and culturally diverse
communities are working together” he said.
Media enquiries
AFP National Media Team
Phone: (02) 6275 7100
NEWS 
