4 September 2019

Media and musicians battle it out at the 2019 Canberra Reclink Community Cup

| Michael Weaver
Reclink Community Cup

Canberra’s music and media will come together for the third annual Reclink Community Cup at Jamison Oval this Sunday. Photos: Supplied.

Is the pen mightier than the guitar pick? Or are the keyboard warriors mightier than those who prefer the key of F-sharp?

These questions and many more will be answered this Sunday at Canberra’s third Reclink Community Cup, the charity Australian rules game that pits the capital’s local media against the local musicians.

For Canberra’s media hacks and musicians on game day, it’s about connecting to their community and doing something to help their fellow Canberrans.

The musos team, The Limestones, has reigned over the media team, The Noise, since the cup started in Canberra in 2017, but the local hacks are hoping for something special this year. Both teams have been training hard and are ready for a game of footy that will entertain and ensure a great day.

The cup started as a humble event in Melbourne 30 years ago and has spread across the country, raising money for Reclink in their host cities.

Reclink Canberra’s program manager Mark Ransome said the organisation delivers the Territory’s Stronger Connected Neighbourhoods program in collaboration with the Justice and Community Safety Directorate, Community Services Directorate, ACT Health and ACT Policing.

Mr Ransome has been described as a father figure and saviour by the people he helps and said Reclink isn’t just any charity.

Reclink Canberra program manager Mark Ransome

Reclink Canberra program manager Mark Ransome addresses players from the media and music fraternities ahead of this Sunday’s Reclink Cup. Also pictured is Radio 2XX FM sports host Dave Baratta.

“We’ve been delivering the Stronger Connected Neighbourhoods project for over 10 years. We are hands-on, boots-on-the-ground, working with public housing tenants across Canberra, with a focus on the high-density housing blocks along Ainslie Avenue,” he said.

“Reclink provides food, clothing, first-aid, assists people to get employment and help others give up drugs and alcohol. The Department of Justice does a blanket drive each year to provide blankets for rough sleepers.

“Most importantly, we link people to other support agencies such as medical, mental health, housing and whatever is needed.”

This program was a national winner in the 2013 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards, in recognition of excellence by the Australian Heads of Government and Standing Council on Police and Emergency Management.

In the past 12 months, Reclink Australia has provided more than 10,000 activities, across national networks, with more than 100,000 opportunities offered in those activities.

The event is the major fundraiser for Reclink in Canberra.

“The Community Cup brings together all the community and showcases the work we do, and it’s just a great way to get together and have a fun day on a Sunday,” Mr Ransome said.

So, make sure you’re at Jamison Oval for a fun family day out, with live music, children’s activities, food and beverage stalls and, of course, the big match between Canberra’s music and media icons.
“Gates open at 11 am and the game starts at 2 pm. Kids are welcome. You can purchase tickets at the gate for $15. Don’t forget to bring your footy for half-time kick around!

Full details are on the Reclink Community Cup Canberra website or via the Facebook page.

Reclink Community Cup

It’s the media v the musos for this year’s Reclink Canberra Community Cup. Be at Jamison Oval on Sunday to find out who takes home the cup this year.

Original Article published by Michael Weaver on The RiotACT.

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