Jenny Leong MP, Member for Newtown, attended the Pride Round hosted by the Newtown Breakaways, trailblazers of women's AFL in NSW and congratulated the club on their values of diversity, inclusivity and community.
"I draw the attention of this parliament to the Newtown Breakaways FC, trailblazers of women's AFL in NSW. The Breakaways are an independent women's AFL club established in 2002 by a group of players looking for a club which reflected their values - diversity, inclusivity and community. Since then the club has been incredibly successful, taking out four consecutive premierships between 2002 and 2005, and three more in 2009, 2010 and 2015. In 2011 they were awarded the Team of the Decade by the AFL. In 2020 they introduced a Men's team. On Saturday 12th September I was pleased to attend the clubs annual Pride Round. Players took to the ground wearing the club's rainbow jersey to promote diversity and inclusion in sport. Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia is still a significant barrier to participation in sport for LGBTIQ+ players so I congratulate the Breakaways for taking positive steps to show that everyone is welcome to play AFL. IÂ acknowledge the incredible work of player Lauren Foy and secretary Peter Tregilgas for putting Pride Round together, and thank all the players, volunteers, supporters and families for making the Newtown Breakaways such a wonderful community."
Hansard available here.
