AFP co-hosts Unity Cup Family Day with Essendon Football Club

AFP Commissioner Mick Keelty has praised the success of the Unity Cup Family Day held in Melbourne on Sunday 13 April, which was organised by the AFP's Islamic Liaison Team in conjunction with the Essendon Football Club.

More than 3000 people from a range of backgrounds attended the event which aimed to reinforce mutual understanding and respect between members of different communities and the police.

Commissioner Keelty was pleased to see the AFP involved in such an initiative, particularly given his recent trip to the UK with Attorney-General Robert McClelland, where significant discussions took place about the role of community engagement in combating serious crime types such as terrorism.

Supported by a wide range of sporting, policing and community organisations, the Unity Cup provided a focus on the positive relationships that have been built between the AFP and the wider Muslim community.

It also aimed to highlight the AFP as a responsible, proactive and culturally aware organisation, and a viable career option for people from all cultural backgrounds.

AFP Melbourne Office Manager Alan Scott said the event builds on the work of the AFP Islamic Liaison Team and the Islamic community, who for the last 12 months have worked cooperatively to build a relationship between the community and the AFP.

“This event is about fostering a mutual understanding and respect, highlighting positive ways police and culturally diverse communities are working together,” Commander Scott said.

Held at Essendon’s Windy Hill training facility, the event also featured an Australian Rules football game between the Islamic youth team and a mixed team comprising AFP members and former Essendon players, which the Islamic youth team won convincingly. In addition, the event comprised live entertainment, a police expo, various children’s activities and a BBQ lunch.

Several high profile supporters were also in attendance, including Essendon Football Club CEO Peter Jackson, James Demetrio from Sports Without Borders, George Lekakis from the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Hass Dellal from the Australian Multicultural Foundation. Also present were representatives from the Sydney Muslim Youth Community and other key members of the Islamic community in Victoria and beyond.

Broader community support for the event was also evident through generous donations of food and services by various Melbourne businesses.

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