The Zonta Club of Mackay Inc, Australia, recently hosted a ‘Zonta Says No to Domestic Violence’ event with guest speaker Steve Renouf. His appearance at the Zonta club event was highlighted in the club’s local news.

From the Daily Mercury:

WHILE Steve Renouf was ready to raise his hand to tackle the issue of violence in our community, the former rugby league superstar says he will hold nothing back.

The guest speaker’s experience with domestic violence will be one of many stories heard at the Zonta Says No to Violence annual charity dinner on Saturday.

He said his presentation would be quite confronting.

The White Ribbon ambassador dealt with alcohol abuse and forms of domestic and family violence throughout his childhood in Murgon.

“I don’t want to give too much away, but I will talk about my experience growing up with domestic violence,” he said.

“It was nothing to do with my parents, it was more to do with what my siblings and I saw.

“I have eight sisters and three brothers; and even growing up in the community, we got to witness stuff which was pretty in your face.

“All domestic violence was full on, but it was the pretty bad end of it.”

Mr Renouf also wanted to touch on the good being done throughout the state.

“It is great what the government has been doing and the awareness being pushed,” he said. “It’s great to have a male take on such a terrible issue.

“Women should feel empowered to report.”

The table settings were done by hospitality course students from the club’s community.