Supercars charity luncheon helps ‘sistas’ escape harm

City of Newcastle will host business and community leaders at a fundraising event during the Newcastle 500 to help power a global campaign to end violence against women.

The Fort Scratchley function will be held on Saturday 23 November, the penultimate day of Supercars Australia’s 2018 season, for White Ribbon Day which falls on Friday 22 November, in support of the City of Newcastle's charity partner Got Your Back Sista.

^{Got Your Back Sista's team of Mel Histon, Jo Buckingham and Janine Chandler with Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.}

“With the eyes of the world focused on Newcastle for the Supercars Finale, we have seized a great opportunity to shine a light on this very important issue,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

“White Ribbon’s message is focused on engaging men, so a sporting event that attracts millions of male viewers is the perfect vehicle to keep the momentum of recent years going - not only in raising awareness of everyone’s responsibilities when it comes to domestic violence but also to raise precious money to fund more sanctuaries for victims.

“I’d like to thank Supercars Australia on behalf of the city for providing 100% of the tickets to the function and joining us in the name of White Ribbon Day and Got Your Back Sista.”

Got Your Back Sista became the City’s first official charity partner through Council's Community Impact Program established last year.

Founder Melissa Histon will address the 150 prominent local business and community leaders before a charity auction that will see items go under the hammer.

“The luncheon is a great opportunity to share our message that domestic violence is never acceptable and that we are there for anyone suffering its terrorising effects,” Histon said.

“Got Your Back Sista is a Newcastle based charity focused on helping women and children who have fled domestic violence to set-up a safe home free from violence.

“We work to help women start their lives again and live independently, so we are profoundly grateful for the support of both the City of Newcastle and Supercars.”

Costs for the fundraising event were approved as part of the City’s 2018/19 budget.

Fort Scratchley, equipped with marquee and outdoor furniture, is available for hire on Friday and Sunday of the Supercars weekend, with the expected income from those days slated to offset the cost of staging Saturday’s event.

White Ribbon Day is part of the global White Ribbon Campaign, which symbolises the idea of men giving up their arms, and is committed to creating societies in which all women can live safely.

Formed by a group of men in Ontario in 1991 in response to a massacre of female university students, today the movement promotes healthy relationships, gender equity and compassionate masculinity in more than 60 countries.