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New Staff Announcement 

THURSDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2021

The NRL in Samoa is committed to utilising its powerful voice and reach to take action to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls on and off the field.

NRL Samoa Manager, Mike Felise said “Today on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we are proud to announce that we have appointed a new staff member, Franziska Finafinau, to the team in a role that is dedicated to raising awareness and educating the community on gender equality and the prevention of violence against women.

Franziska will be responsible for identifying expert partners to assist us in developing community programs that raise awareness and he will deliver workshops that educate our Rugby League community. It is anticipated that our workshops will be delivered to participants across Savai’l and Upolu in early 2022."

Franziska Finafinau commented, “I am humbled and honoured to be a part of NRL. I have dedicated my professional career to community development and advocating for freedom from violence. I am a musician by profession, a former employee of MESC and SVSG. My work with SVSG inspired me to serve and protect our community. I worked specifically on general welfare projects and violence free campaigns. I am also an Executive Member of SVSG Juniors. I have joined NRL to further my service to the community.

Sports is a powerful platform to advocate and combat gender-based violence. As we teach athletes to be team players we also promote values such as unity and respect. These are values which are diminishing and contributing to violence.

I am excited to be the new Voice Against Violence Coordinator for NRL in Samoa and look forward to working with our Civil Society Organisations, Government Ministries, Sports Associations and Business communities as well as members of the community."

The NRL in Samoa is funded through the Australian Government’s ‘Team Up’ program. @NRLSamoa, @TeamUp Program, @AustraliainSamoa

• Media Contact:
  Mike Felise — NRL Samoa Manager
• 685 7736167
• mfelise@nrl.com.au