Gippsland Umpires Association has become the first umpiring association in Australia to support One Punch Campaign Australia.
Drouin local Kerry “Kez” Kistemaker has taken her campaign to prevent deaths and injury from king hits around Australia.
Kez has been taking bar mats to pubs and clubs across Australia in a campaign, which has so far lasted about 15 months.
She now wants to branch out to sporting clubs, and is hoping to drum up more support locally.
Maryknoll-Nar Nar Goon Cricket Club recently threw its support behind the campaign, while information has recently been sent to Ellinbank and District Football League Clubs.
Kez said she decided to start her campaign following the death of her son’s friend in Pakenham.
“I had to stand there and watch on as my son held his best friend’s hand and said goodbye,” she said.
“What we hear in the news is only one or two per cent of what actually occurs.
“Every week I hear of one new incident.
“Unfortunately for many, the victims are the parents left behind.
“It’s not worth it.”
Kez runs her campaign through Facebook, attracting sponsors and donations to take her merchandise Australia wide.
“This is my first meeting here in Drouin,” she said.
“I would like to see people talk about it in my home state.
“Information has been sent to EDFL clubs and I want to continue that (taking the message to sporting clubs) right through Australia.”
GUA president Chris Behrendorff said while One Punch Campaign Australia had an important message, the GUA was a club that didn’t need to rely on alcohol sales to fuel it.
The GUA has recently completed its Good Sports level three monitoring reaccreditation, which is the highest level of accreditation on offer.
Last Modified on 05/06/2015 12:19