Port cricket fundraiser proves a big hit

LUKE BATTY FOUNDATION

Last updated: 19/06/2017, 16:30:00 (AEST)

An drone shot of the cricket action at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex on Saturday, which raised over $14,000 for the Luke Batty Foundation. IMAGE: Rian Cope - youtube.com/riancope facebook.com/riancope instagram.com/riancope twitter.com/riancope

THE annual Luke Batty Foundation cricket match in Port Douglas raised more than $14,000 on Saturday.

The Port Douglas community got behind the Mantra Group’s North Queensland Region fundraiser, as four teams took to to the pitch for a fun-filled afternoon of cricket at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex.

Hobart Hurricanes coach and new Bangladesh under 19 boss Damien Wright, and former Tasmanian paceman Mark Ridgeway made the trip up for the event and immediately told organiser’s they’d be back next year.

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Luke Batty Foundation COO Stewart McMullin, who participated in the cricket day match, said he is encouraged and inspired by Mantra Group and the Port Douglas community’s commitment to make a change.

“The foundation is incredibly grateful and fortunate to have Mantra Group’s commitment and dedication behind us,” McMullin said.

“Through community events such as these, education and advocacy, we are continually raising community awareness and shifting entrenched attitudes around family violence."

(L-R) Roy Weavers from Mossman Print, former Tasmanian paceman Mark Ridgway, Luke Batty Foundation chief Stuart McMullin, Mantra Group's Robyn Buick, Chris Northam and Winston Hall, former Hobart Hurricanes coach Damien Wright and Newsport's Sam Cullen with the cheque for $13,000. IMAGE: Supplied.

“However, we still have such a long way to go… the momentum for change is there and together we are working to create a safer future for women and children.”

“The support here today of the Port Douglas community has been amazing.”

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Mantra Group Area Manager Chris Northam said he is thrilled by the donation the region has raised and looks forward to supporting the foundation again next year.

“This event is our region’s major annual fundraising initiative, and I’m delighted we were able to contribute such a large donation,” Northam said.

There was a great turnout for the annual cricket fundraiser. IMAGE: Supplied.

“We will continue to show our support to the foundation and will be back next year for another day on the pitch.”

The Mantra Group properties and team members have raised more than $100,000 this year for the Luke Batty Foundation through events such as the cricket day and staff fundraising initiatives.

The day was made possible in partnership with the Muddies cricket club, the Port Douglas AFL Club and Newsport.

An arial view on Saturday. IMAGE: Rian Cope - youtube.com/riancope facebook.com/riancope instagram.com/riancope twitter.com/riancope

The Luke Batty Foundation brings awareness to the social issue of domestic violence. It works to achieve empowerment of women, give voices to the children and hold accountability to the perpetrator through education, advocacy and campaigning.

For more information on the Luke Batty Foundation visit www.lukebattyfoundation.org.au