Rival clubs unite as Ballina becomes first in region to adopt life-saving StandbyU Shield

After 27 years in an abusive relationship, Lisa Lowe knows firsthand how difficult and dangerous it can be to leave.

“I wish I had something like this back then,” she said.

“It could have made all the difference.”

Today, Lisa stood alongside community leaders in Ballina as major clubs  Ballina RSL and Cherry Street Sports launched the StandbyU Shield, a discreet wearable device that allows people living with domestic violence to silently reach out to trusted supporters when they’re in danger.

The Shield, which looks like a pendant or watch, can connect the wearer to up to five people through a live audio link. They can then listen, intervene or call emergency services, all without alerting the perpetrator and potentially escalating the situation.

“This is real,” said Lisa. “It’s not just talk. It’s action. And it gives people a way to get help – safely, quietly, and without fear.”

Clubs Step Up — Now It’s Time for Government

Speaking at the event, Ballina RSL CEO Guy Diven said the clubs were proud to lead on such an important issue, but he issued a direct challenge to local political leaders.

“Our clubs are doing their bit — now it’s time for our state and federal MPs to step up,” he said. “It’s not enough to just make statements to the media.

“Action is needed. Join us in making real change.”

Cherry Street Sports CEO Tere Sheehan agreed, calling the partnership a natural fit for venues deeply embedded in the community.

“We’ve always said clubs are about more than food and footy – they’re about connection. This is what that looks like in practice.”

Real Support, Right When It’s Needed

The StandbyU Shield, created by Australian social worker Chris Boyle, has already helped thousands of families around the country. 

Ballina becomes the first location in northern NSW to implement it.

“It’s not just a safety device,” Chris Boyle said.

“It’s a way to reconnect people who’ve been isolated – and isolation is what makes domestic violence so dangerous.”

Any person experiencing domestic abuse can now discreetly approach trained staff at either Ballina RSL or Cherry Street. 

Those wearing purple Clubs for Community badges have been specifically trained to provide confidential support and refer people to StandbyU’s expert team.

Boyle praised the clubs’ leadership: “The fact that these two venues came together shows how serious this community is about preventing violence.”

Local Voices Leading Change

The initiative builds on the success of Ballina’s Purple Friday movement, led by the Ballina-on-Richmond Rotary Club and supported by Cherry Street Sports.

Lisa Lowe, who helps coordinate a 500-member Purple Friday support group, says the visibility has made a huge impact.

“People know they’re not alone anymore,” she said. “They see purple shirts, they know someone’s listening. And now with the Shield, they have a way to reach out safely.”

Jackson Connellan, Cherry Street’s Community Engagement Manager, said staff responded wholeheartedly to StandbyU’s training.

“Our team didn’t hesitate,” he said.

“They wanted to do more. And now they can.”

For more information or support, visit www.standbyu.org.au/domestic-violence or approach staff at Ballina RSL or Cherry Street Sports Group.