By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
THE White Ribbon cause means more to one Casey family than ever before.
Casey councillor, Wayne Smith and his family rallied the Hallam Football Club over the weekend, in honour of slain domestic violence campaigner, Karen Belej.
The Smith family are relatives of Ms Belej who was allegedly murdered in her Cardross home, south-east of Mildura on Sunday 1 May.
And they were touched by the local support for White Ribbon Australia.
“The whole club and its officials wore white armbands at Saturday’s game,” Cr Smith said.
“And they went on to a massive team win against the Dandenong Redlegs.”
It was Cr Smith’s son, Kieran who organised the club’s support of White Ribbon Australia, and it was Ms Belej’s family and friends who started what became a state-wide tribute at weekend sporting games.
“A Facebook page called ‘White armbands for Karen’ was set up and many clubs throughout Victoria got on board – we are very proud,” Cr Smith said.
A tin rattle on Hallam’s game day collected more than $100 for White Ribbon Australia and Cr Smith hopes more money will be raised by the Hallam hawks at the next local footy clash.
“I watched the game and when I heard someone asking why the players had white armbands on I’d walk over and explain,” Cr Smith said.
“It makes it personal.
“I see the White Ribbon campaign differently now because I know a real story and it hits others personally as well when you talk about it.”
Ms Belej’s boyfriend at the time of her killing is facing a murder charge.
Ms Belej was an active white ribbon advocate and worked for the Mildura Rural City Council.
Her body was found by police around 7.30pm on the Sunday night.
